Today in the evening, we will be starting the feast of tabernacles also known as Sukkot in Hebrew. It is the last of all seven biblical holidays- a seven day long feast starting on 15th to 22nd of the month of Ethanim. This feast comes almost immediately after the feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur. Note the impressive transition meant for God’s people as they move from the ‘days of awe’ to the days of joy during sukkot. During the first half of the month of Ethanim, we are made to recognize that Hashem is our supreme king and judge. After being atoned on the Yom Kippur and passing His judgment, we transit to the second half of the month of Ethanim. That is the reason why we celebrate because of being counted worthy to stand before the presence of our King, and enjoy the blessings of sukkot.

Sukkot is mainly characterized with the construction of sukkah (booths). It is a time that reminds the Jews of that period in the wilderness when they didn't have a roof over their heads. Booths are used because they are just simple structures which remind us of how feeble our lives are and that we are sojourners in this world. We therefore long for a better life when the Messiah is revealed and comes to tabernacle with us as recorded in Revelation 21:3.

Also living in sukkah reminds us of God's protection over our lives and particularly the Jewish nation. The booths cannot literally protect us from cold or rain and that is why we have to yield ourselves to Hashem for his divine provision and protection.

As I had mentioned earlier on, sukkot is the last of all the feasts in the bible. It is categorized as one of the 'three fall feasts' – one that points to the future harvest of the world by Messiah. The feast foreshadows the establishment of a kingdom by Yahshua that will be headquartered in Jerusalem. As a matter of fact, the scriptures show that the feast of tabernacles will be celebrated even during the millennial reign of Yahshua. Zechariah 14:16 "Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts and to keep the feast of Booths"

I would like to welcome you to worship with us during this joyous occasion starting on 5th to 12th October 2017. Besides Nairobi, we have other feast centers in major towns like Mombasa, Kisumu, Mois Bridge, Meru, Chuka, Lamu, Murang’a, Gatero among others. There are also feast gatherings in Malawi, South Africa, and in Worcester in the US.

Indeed a day in the house of God is better than a thousand elsewhere! You can’t afford to miss the blessings that come with keeping the feasts of Elohim. May Hashem bless you as you purpose to obey His word.

Hezekiah Kuria Karanja

General Overseer –Church of God 7th Day, Kenya