First Fruits – the Real Celebration of Resurrection

Yah/God set apart specifically appointed time to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He put them in place thousands of years ahead of time, as signs, foreshadowings, of what was to come. They have been set aside for counterfeit man made traditions.

Jesus most likely rose at twilight Saturday night. During the in between time just before the first day of the week, Sunday, started. If he had remained in the tomb through the night, it would have been four nights in the tomb instead of three.

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring a sheaf of the first grain harvested (faith/obey) in the promised land to the priest.
  • The priest waved the sheaf before God (on Sunday) so it would be accepted on the communities behalf.
  • A lamb without defect and a hin of wine were also offered.
• God appointed the Feast of First Fruits for whoever.
  • Three days after the Passover, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley and the wheat harvest are brought on the first day of the week (Sunday).
    • The sheaf is representative of the whole harvest to come.
    • The concept of presenting the first to God, like the first born, appears all throughout the Scriptures.
  • No bread could be eaten until the sheaves had been offered to God.
  • If the first fruits were not accepted, the whole harvest was not. Everyone brought the best of the crops.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus resurrected on the third day.
• God gave the Table of Showbread in the Temple on which were placed the Bread of Presence and a pitcher for drink offerings (wine).
  • There were 12 loaves, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, God’s chosen first fruits of people.
  • Each Weekly Sabbath (Saturday), the old would be removed and consumed by the priest and new put out.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony (we’ll talk more about it later) was a bowl of Manna.
    • The Manna represented the Bread of Life
    • They had to learn to trust and reply on God who provided manna on their journey into the promised land for six days during the week. The seventh day was a rest day, so none was given, nor collected on that day.
• God gave his son as a First Fruit. Jesus resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits as the first fruit offering accepted of the harvest to come.
  • Whoever died with him will also be accepted and rise with him in eternal life.
  • He has paved the way for all those who have faith in him.
• Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.7 The Weekly Sabbath)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Weekly Sabbath Day (Shabbat)
Have Faith and Obey

Testing in Resting: The weekly Sabbath is a day to rest and reflect. It’s a time to remember God has provided all we need. He sent his son, Jesus to become our sacrifice and our high priest – all we have to do is have faith in him and he will do the rest. Our reconciliation is promised through our faith. However, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my Torah.” He specifically talks about the “Torah” and keeping the smallest marks in it. As we seek to understand more fully, we learn there are laws to keep, ordinances dependent on circumstances, recommendations for getting the best out of life, and right-rulings for making judgements. We don’t keep them because we have to, we keep them because we want to obey. All throughout God Sabbaths/appointed times has referenced or alluded to having faith and obeying him – the original day of worship.

• God called the Seventh Day Holy and rested well before any covenant.
  • It was first observed by God in Genesis, he blessed the day and made it holy and rested on the seventh day.
  • It is a sign between Gods people and Him that He is their God.
  • God gave manna in the wilderness and told the whoevers to gather a day’s portion each day, but on the sixth day gather enough for the next day. He said he did this as a test to find out whether they would walk according to his ways or not (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Weekly Sabbath Day as a test and a sign
  • It is about learning to rest and rely on God – to show you what is good and bad, trusting he knows what is best.
  • God used the manna to test if they would follow his instructions by collecting twice as much on the sixth day and resting on the seventh.
  • All of God’s Sabbaths are a sign that he is God, who makes you holy.
  • God says it is a delight (Isaiah 58)
  • God pours out wrath when his Sabbaths are not kept.
  • Jesus and all in the Bible who were righteous kept the Sabbath day.
    • All of Jesus’s disciples and the women rested, they did not prepare the body because they observed the Sabbath day.
  • Jesus said he was the Lord of the Sabbath.
    • Much of the contention between Jesus and the religion leaders of the day was centered around the Sabbath day rules.
    • The rules he contested were man made rules – not God made rules.
    • Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light.
• God gave the Cloud in the Tabernacle so the people would know he was dwelling among them.
  • A cloud covered the tent of the meeting (tabernacle) and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
  • A cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night
  • It was in the sight of all the camp during all their travels. The people kept watch on the cloud in anticipation of what God would do. When the cloud would lift, the people would set out. If it did not lift, they stayed.
• God gave Jesus rest on the weekly Sabbath. His resurrections was on the Feast of First Fruit which is always the first day of the week (Sunday).
• Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
• Genesis 2 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their array.”

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.6 Feast of Tabernacles)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot, Booths, Ingathering, Feast of the Lord)
Complete Unity

All are One: During this time we remember, Jesus said a prayer for those who have faith in him. He said, “Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” God tabernacled among his people in a temporary dwelling place. And Jesus temporarily tabernacled among us in flesh. And now our body is a tabernacle to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has went to prepare our forever home and one day, we will once again be with Immanuel – God with Us when he returns to reign forever and ever. ““Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – the original Christmas

• God called the whoevers to live in temporary shelters during their 40 years in the Wilderness.
  • The mix multitude lived in temporary shelters and relied on God
  • He brought them out of bondage and provided for them (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Feast of Tabernacles as a time of celebration of the fall harvest and remember God’s protection and provision.
  • Five days after Day of Atonement and lasts for seven days
  • First and Eighth day are days of sacred assembly and no work.
  • Take branches from trees and rejoice before God.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • All NATIVE-BORN ISRAELITES are to live in temporary shelters for seven days.
  • This will not be fully fulfilled until Jesus returns to take those who follow him to a permeant dwelling place.
• God gave the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle in the Holy of Holies where he took up temporary shelter
  • Now called the Ark of the Covenant
  • This is where God would meet and give his commands
  • Held the signs of the Testimony/Covenant
    • Tables of the Testimony – Now called Ten Commandments
    • A bowl of Manna
    • Aaron’s staff which budded
• Jesus temporarily dwelled among us.
  • Many believe Jesus was born on this feast.
  • His name was called Immanuel – “God with us.”
  • Jesus told his disciples there were many dwelling places and he was going to prepare a place.
• Revelation 21:3 “See, the Booth of Elohim is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Elohim Himself shall be with them and be their Elohim.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.5 Day of Atonement)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Seek Forgiveness

Forgive as You are Forgiven: During the time between Trumpets and Day of Atonement is a time to consider our ways and make correction as needed. Just as the priests were ordained and consecrated by the atonement sacrifice, so Jesus has been our atoning sacrifice. We are the one who deserves death but instead we will be set free because Jesus takes our place. Forgive others, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted him. The original Ash Wednesday/Lent.

• God called Moses to make an offering as atonement for Aaron and his sons for their priestly ordination and consecration.
  • It took seven days to ordain them.
  • It took seven days to make atonement for the altar, then it was most holy.
• God appointed the Day of Atonement as a time to assemble and deny oneself.
  • Ten days after the Feast of Trumpets, reflection is made on each of the ten days.
  • Do no work. Deny = the general consensus seems to be fasting as well as recognizing lawlessness (sin), confession, and recognizing the need for Jesus.
  • The High Priest took two goats,
    • One was the sacrifice and one was a scapegoat.
    • At the door of the tent, they would cast lots to see which would be presented as the offering and which would be let go.
  • It will not be fully fulfilled until after Jesus’s second coming.
    • Jesus was offered once to bear the sins of the community and will appear a second time to bring deliverance.
    • He became a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, making atonement for the sins of the people.
• God gave the Lid of the Atonement in the Tabernacle where he is said to have rested.
  • Typically called the Mercy Seat.
  • It was the actual Lid to the Ark of the Testimony
  • Once a year – the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies, and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice to cover the unknown sins of the community for another year.
• There was a shadowing of the Day of Atonement when Pilate offered the choice between Jesus and Jesus Barabbas.
  • One became the offering, the other the scapegoat.
• Revelation 12:10 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.4 Feast of Trumpets)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Truach, Day of Blasting)
Be the Light of the World

Become One Who Disciples: On this day we remember while Jesus was in this world he was the light, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light in them. Jesus said his disciples are the light of the world and should not be hidden. We remember when we walk in his ways and let our light shine we have fellowship together. Shout for joy because Jesus has destroyed death, brought life and immortality to light through the good news. One day he is returning and will reign forever and ever! A day to remember to keep watch for one day he is returning – the original Advent.

• God rested on Mt. Sinai on this day
  • There was thundering, lighting, a thick cloud,
  • “The blast of the exceedingly loud shofar”. The sound of the shofar grew louder and louder.
  • Moses spoke, and God answered him with a thunderous sound.
  • All the people saw and heard, and they trembled.
• God appointed the Feast of Trumpets for whoever to have a day to sound the trumpets/shofar and have a day of rest.
  • The Feast of Trumpets falls on the start of the civil year. God appointed Passover as the first of a year.
  • It is a call to preparation for the Day of Atonement
  • This feast has not been fulfilled. It will be fulfilled at Jesus’s second coming.
    • Jesus said he will be as lightning from one part of the sky to the other. 
    • The Lord will descend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.
    • Many believe Jesus will return during the Feast of Trumpets.
• God gave the Lampstand in the Tabernacle
  • The Lampstand was a sign of God’s presences.
    • It was the only source of light in otherwise complete darkness. It was kept lite continuously and never went out.
    • It resembled almond branches, the Hebrew root word means “to hasten”. And the flowers were like open almond flowers.
  • In the Ark of the Witness was Aaron’s staff which budded
    • The staff was made out of a piece of almond wood.
    • It symbolized God’s choice as to who should serve as Priests.
    • It was a sign to the rebellious to put an end to their grumbling against God.
• God gave the Light of the World, Jesus, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
  • Some believe Jesus was born during the Feast of Trumpet.
• Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
• Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.3 Pentecost)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks, Shavuot)
Testify and Be Baptized

Receive Jesus’s Testimony and Baptism: On this day we remember the free gift given to both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’s baptism_{^{(Acts 2:38)}} and his witness testifying to the whole earth. The Spirit writes his commands on our hearts. The Spirit baptizes in the Name (the essence) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the original Pentecost.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring an offering of new grain in two loaves, with yeast, as a wave offering of first fruits fifty days (7 weeks) after the First Fruits offering.
  • A burnt offering, drink offering, and fellowship offering were also brought.
  • A day of sacred assembly and no work.
  • When reaping, leave the edges for the poor and foreigners (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Feast of Weeks as a time to rejoice at the place he chooses as a dwelling for his Name.
  • Name in Hebrew refers to the essence of someone, not their title or “name” given to them.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • This was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
• God gave the Golden Incense Altar in the Tabernacle which was placed just outside the curtain into the Holy of Holies.
  • Spices were burned as a continuous offering, a sweet aroma. The incense represents the prayers of the people.
    • Prayers are a line of communication directly with God to offer thanksgiving, praises, and adoration for his provision. They can also be used to confess, express repentance, petition and make requests.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony the Two Tablets of The Testimony were placed.
    • The tablets are now referred to as the Ten Commandments
    • Originally given on the day of Pentecost.
    • On the two tablets were the covenant law God provided to them.
    • God said, keeping these are a sign we are willing to offer up our own ways and follow God’s ways
• God gave his Holy Spirit fifty days after Jesus was resurrected.
  • His followers were gathered in observant of Pentecost.
  • The Holy Spirit came down, represented by fire and was Jesus’s Baptism.
  • Received by all – both Jew and Gentile, the two loaves, were waved as an offering to God through the Holy Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit was given to write the Tablets of the Testimony on the hearts of his people.
• Revelation 8:3 (TLV) 3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden incense burner.[b] He was given much incense to offer up along with the prayers of all the kedoshim upon the golden altar before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the kedoshim,[c] rose before God from the angel’s hand. ⁵ Then the angel took the incense burner and filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there were clashes of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and earthquakes.^[d]

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.2 First Fruits)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring a sheaf of the first grain harvested (faith/obey) in the promised land to the priest.
  • The priest waved the sheaf before God (on Sunday) so it would be accepted on the communities behalf.
  • A lamb without defect and a hin of wine were also offered.
• God appointed the Feast of First Fruits for whoever.
  • Three days after the Passover, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley and the wheat harvest are brought on the first day of the week (Sunday).
    • The sheaf is representative of the whole harvest to come.
    • The concept of presenting the first to God, like the first born, appears all throughout the Scriptures.
  • No bread could be eaten until the sheaves had been offered to God.
  • If the first fruits were not accepted, the whole harvest was not. Everyone brought the best of the crops.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus resurrected on the third day.
• God gave the Table of Showbread in the Temple on which were placed the Bread of Presence and a pitcher for drink offerings (wine).
  • There were 12 loaves, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, God’s chosen first fruits of people.
  • Each Weekly Sabbath (Saturday), the old would be removed and consumed by the priest and new put out.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony (we’ll talk more about it later) was a bowl of Manna.
    • The Manna represented the Bread of Life
    • They had to learn to trust and reply on God who provided manna on their journey into the promised land for six days during the week. The seventh day was a rest day, so none was given, nor collected on that day.
• God gave his son as a First Fruit. Jesus resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits as the first fruit offering accepted of the harvest to come.
  • Whoever died with him will also be accepted and rise with him in eternal life.
  • He has paved the way for all those who have faith in him.
• Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.1 Passover and Unleavened Bread)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Passover (Pesach)*
Accept Jesus’s Sacrifice

Called Out of Captivity: As we observe this appointed time of YHWH/God’s, we are to remember we were once captives to lawlessness (sin), separated from God, just like the Israelites were in the land of Egypt. In order to get back in right relationship with God, there must be a sacrifice made because the law of sin requires a death. We are to remember he chose to bring us out of captivity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus and set us free from lawlessness (sin). On this day, we remember his crucifixion, the original Good Friday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

• God called the captives out of slavery and bondage.
  • The Hebrews and whoever trusted in him (faith), put the blood of an unblemished lamb over the doorposts (obey).
  • Those who had faith and obeyed, He passed over (even the non Hebrews) because he saw the blood of the lamb.
  • Those without the blood, had their first born son killed.

• God appointed Passover for whoever in all generations, to remember he had brought them out of bondage and set them free.
  • God gave this as the first month of each year.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus became the Passover Lamb.
• God gave the Brazen Altar in the Tabernacle for offerings of repentance.
  • When whoever realized they were walking in lawlessness (sin), they would repent and bring a sacrifice. This would put them back in right relationship with God and the people.
  • The people brought their sacrifices day after day, but did not change their ways. The sacrifices became meaningless to them and God could not bear it any more.
• God gave his Son, Jesus to take the place of the sacrifices. Jesus, was The Anointed One who serves as the unblemished, Passover Lamb.
  • Jesus and his followers were observing the appointed time of Passover when he took the cup and offered it as his blood, to be poured out for forgiveness of lawlessness (sins) for whoever put their faith in him and obeyed.
  • Following the Passover Meal, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. He offered himself up as the once for all unblemished, sacrifice for lawlessness (sin).
  • He was sacrificed on Passover at the very same time all the other Passover Lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple.
• God will again, Passover on Judgement day, whoever has faith, brings the blood of the Passover Lamb (Jesus), and obeys.
• Revelation 12:11: They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even in the face of death.

Unleavened Bread (Festival of Matzot)*
Confess, Repent, and Be Baptized

Called into Righteousness: As we observe this appointed time of God’s, we are to remember God provides for us. We are to clean out all the lawlessness (sin) in our houses. Just as he prepared a way through the wilderness into the promised land for the Israelites, he has prepared a way into righteousness and the Holy Place through his son, Jesus. Jesus has paid the ransom for those have faith in him and obey. On this day we remember his triumphant descent – the original Holy Saturday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

• God called the Hebrews and whoevers to clean out all the yeast from their houses and they did not have time to prepare food for themselves before they left.
  • Whoever did not put the yeast out (faith), was put out of the community (obey).
  • They carried their unfermented dough and their kneading-troughs as they left. The bread they made from the dough became known as ‘the bread of affliction’.
  • God provided them with manna from heaven. He sustained them throughout their journey to the promised land.
• God appointed the festival of Unleavened Bread for whoever in all generations, to remember this is the day whoevers were brought out of bondage.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus was buried.
• God gave the Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle to wash clean their hands and feet.
  • Being in right relationship and clean, they were now prepared to enter into the Holy Place.
  • There was a veil between the Outer Courts and the Holy Place, only a Priest could pass through into the Holy Place.
• God provided a way.
  • Before Jesus, one came preparing a way, he was called John the Baptizer.
    • John called people to an immersion in the river as a baptism of repentance from sin, marking a turning away from lawlessness (sin). This is referred to as John’s Baptism.
  • At the Passover Meal, Jesus, as the Bread of Life, offered the unleavened bread as his body, in memory of himself.
    • The bread representing dying to lawlessness (sin). Jesus was buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
    • They had always eaten the unleavened bread at the Passover Meal, but Jesus changed why, he said to eat it at the Passover Meal in remembrance of him.
    • At his death, the veil between the Outer Courts and the Holy Place was torn from top to bottom, into two pieces, he had prepared the way for whoever into the Holy Place.
• God provided those who eat of the Bread of Life (Jesus), a way to live forever, free from leaven (sin).
  • He sacrificed his fleshly body and died to sin, once and for all. Those trusting (faith) and obeying him, have also crucified their body and are no longer captive to lawlessness (sin).
• John 6:51 I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

The most accurate and quick answer would be: Because YHWH/God said to. God said to be set-apart. He said he doesn’t want what is given to other gods. He gave us ways of celebrating and worshipping him.

Sometimes the most appropriate question doesn’t start with can or could, but instead starts with should. Can I rob a bank? Yes. Should? No. Can I drink pop all day long? Yes. Should? Probably not. Can Christians celebrate Easter and Christmas? Yes. Should? Isn’t that the question? Do Christians have to learn about God’s Sabbaths? No. Should? Probably should. Jesus did, the disciples did, Paul did, the early church father’s did, the church did up until at least the late fourth century.

So why not? Why would Christians want to be the only god worshippers who are willing to change how they celebrate YHWH and Jesus because the government and a bishop said to? Why would Christians want to be the only ones who changed their date, abandon YHWH’s ways, and adopt those of other god worshippers? Do they fear their gods more than Christians fear theirs?

What is the Good News God Gave?

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. ² For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.

Hebrews 4 NIV (Emphasis added)

“Faith and obeyed.” This implies there was an expected action in addition to having faith.

This may take a bit to digest, don’t try and take it all in at once. Take it section by section, look at each element separately. God designed this so through the Holy Spirit, it would be easy to understand and comprehend. Scripture references are left off in most cases – test everything – look them up. Enough of the words are used you can easily google them and find the scriptures. You may be surprised at other treasures you will turn up, if you are seeking knowledge and wisdom, your mind will be blown at least once!

God tells the good news of Jesus through observance of his Sabbaths (appointed times). He also tells it through his Tabernacle which was a copy and shadow of what is in heaven (where God is). He designed them as a testimony for his followers to live out and be set apart from the rest of the world. Don’t skip over this scripture we all think we know, take time to read it.

¹⁰ Yeshua answered him, “You’re a teacher of Israel and you do not understand these things? ¹¹ Amen, amen I tell you, We speak about what We know and testify about what We have seen. Yet you all do not receive Our testimony! ¹² If you do not believe the earthly things I told you, how will you believe when I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has gone up into heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,^[c] so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life!

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim.

¹⁹ “Now this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world and men loved the darkness instead of the light,^[d] because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. ²¹ But whoever practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be made known that his deeds have been accomplished in God.”

John 3 (TLV)

Passover (Pesach)*
Accept Jesus’s Sacrifice

Called Out of Captivity: As we observe this appointed time of YHWH/God’s, we are to remember we were once captives to lawlessness (sin), separated from God, just like the Israelites were in the land of Egypt. In order to get back in right relationship with God, there must be a sacrifice made because the law of sin requires a death. We are to remember he chose to bring us out of captivity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus and set us free from lawlessness (sin). On this day, we remember his crucifixion, the original Good Friday.

Unleavened Bread (Festival of Matzot)*
Confess, Repent, and Be Baptized

Called into Righteousness: As we observe this appointed time of God’s, we are to remember God provides for us. We are to clean out all the lawlessness (sin) in our houses. Just as he prepared a way through the wilderness into the promised land for the Israelites, he has prepared a way into righteousness and the Holy Place through his son, Jesus. Jesus has paid the ransom for those have faith in him and obey. On this day we remember his triumphant descent – the original Holy Saturday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

See the detailed testimony of God through Passover and Unleavened bread here …

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

See the detailed testimony of God through First Fruits here …

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks, Shavuot)
Testify and Be Baptized

Receive Jesus’s Testimony and Baptism: On this day we remember the free gift given to both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’s baptism_{^{(Acts 2:38)}} and his witness testifying to the whole earth. The Spirit writes his commands on our hearts. The Spirit baptizes in the Name (the essence) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the original Pentecost.

See the detailed testimony of God through Pentecost here …

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Truach, Day of Blasting)
Be the Light of the World

Become One Who Disciples: On this day we remember while Jesus was in this world he was the light, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light in them. Jesus said his disciples are the light of the world and should not be hidden. We remember when we walk in his ways and let our light shine we have fellowship together. Shout for joy because Jesus has destroyed death, brought life and immortality to light through the good news. One day he is returning and will reign forever and ever! A day to remember to keep watch for one day he is returning – the original Advent.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Feast of Trumpets here …

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Seek Forgiveness

Forgive as You are Forgiven: During the time between Trumpets and Day of Atonement is a time to consider our ways and make correction as needed. Just as the priests were ordained and consecrated by the atonement sacrifice, so Jesus has been our atoning sacrifice. We are the one who deserves death but instead we will be set free because Jesus takes our place. Forgive others, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted him. The original Ash Wednesday/Lent.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Day of Atonement here …

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot, Booths, Ingathering, Feast of the Lord)
Complete Unity

All are One: During this time we remember, Jesus said a prayer for those who have faith in him. He said, “Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” God tabernacled among his people in a temporary dwelling place. And Jesus temporarily tabernacled among us in flesh. And now our body is a tabernacle to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has went to prepare our forever home and one day, we will once again be with Immanuel – God with Us when he returns to reign forever and ever. ““Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – the original Christmas

See detailed testimony of God through the Feast of Tabernacles here …

Weekly Sabbath Day (Shabbat)
Have Faith and Obey

Testing in Resting: The weekly Sabbath is a day to rest and reflect. It’s a time to remember God has provided all we need. He sent his son, Jesus to become our sacrifice and our high priest – all we have to do is have faith in him and he will do the rest. Our reconciliation is promised through our faith. However, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my Torah.” He specifically talks about the “Torah” and keeping the smallest marks in it. As we seek to understand more fully, we learn there are laws to keep, ordinances dependent on circumstances, recommendations for getting the best out of life, and right-rulings for making judgements. We don’t keep them because we have to, we keep them because we want to obey. All throughout God Sabbaths/appointed times has referenced or alluded to having faith and obeying him – the original day of worship.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Weekly Sabbath here …

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10“Because this is the covenant that I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl after those days, says יהוה, giving My laws in their mind, and I shall write them on their hearts, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.

11“And they shall by no means teach each one his neighbour, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ because they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

12“Because I shall forgive their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I shall no longer remember.”

13By saying, ‘renewed,’ He has made the first old. Now what becomes old and growing aged is near disappearing.

Hebrews 8 TS2009

Matthew 5: Jesus said …

Although we’ve come to what has been labeled as the end of a Chapter, it is not the end of the Torah/Teaching Jesus is giving. We can’t set everything he’s said to this point aside just because we are moving into Chapter 6.

Let’s keep these things in mind:

• He is still speaking to his disciples. These are not random people, they have committed their lives to following Jesus. Some may believe he is the Messiah but most believe he is a Rabbi, some a Prophet.
• It is most likely the bulk of these disciples were of the Jewish faith. This doesn’t mean they are Jews, but it’s highly likely a lot were Jews. Some followed the written Torah/Law – what we find in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers. Some additionally followed the oral traditions. And some were gentiles.
• Jesus is telling his disciples what living as his disciple would look like. What he expects of his followers.
• Jesus has specifically stated he did not come to abolish the Law of Moses/Torah or the Prophets.
• Jesus has specifically stated not one little mark would pass from the Law until heaven and earth pass away and until all is accomplished. Those listening would have distinguished between the Law of Moses which was written and the oral law. Jesus is not saying he didn’t come to abolish the oral law – only the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
• Jesus has specifically stated anyone who relaxes the least of the Law of Moses/Torah or teaches to, will be least in the Kingdom of Heaven/Where God Reigns.
• Jesus has specifically stated anyone who keeps and teaches the Law of Moses/Torah, will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven/Where God Reigns.
• Jesus started off by confronting the teachings from 150 years before. A Jewish Teacher, Ben-Sirah Jesus had written a “blessed is” statement which was probably very familiar to many in the crowd. It fully immersed it’s self in the value of the world with status, admiration, etc. It was a culture where status was important.  Jesus has totally dismantled these teachings with what we today call “The Beatitudes.”
• Jesus finished off “Chapter 5,” with bringing the true meaning back to the written commandment’s. He is restoring to a previous condition or refurbishing the Law and the Prophets. He has taken what they had seen as physical sins and turned them into heart sins. Simply not doing something doesn’t cut it with Jesus. He wants his disciples to change their heart so as not to get to the point of having to try not to do something.

Quick Note: Matthew 5 Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Generally the Beatitudes are separated from the rest of Matthew 5, as well as Chapters 6 and 7 of Matthew containing the Sermon on the Mount. However, just as when we attend classes or lectures, everything builds upon each other.

As we continue on, keep in mind the torah/teaching Jesus has just given in verses 1-12. Use them to inform your understanding of what comes after them.

Those disciples who are humble in their life principles and their way of life; who are urging, imploring, exhorting, weeping; who rest in obedience to YHWH/God’s ways; who are hungry and thirsty and seeking after justice, fairness, and not sinning (being in right relationship with YHWH and others); who are merciful; who walk through life with a mind and thoughts which are clean and pure and see YHWH/God wherever they look; who as a peacemaker, reflect the image of YHWH/God striving to bring peace between man and YHWH/God and between men; who are cursed, persecuted, lied about, and all kinds of evil things said against them because of speaking YHWH/God’s truth, doing the right thing in YHWH/God’s eyes …

They are blessed/happy because they walk where God reigns/in the Kingdom of Heaven, are comforted, find kindness, see YHWH/God, are called a Son of God, know YHWH/God is pleased with them, and bring where God is/heaven to earth.

With all that in mind, let’s continue …