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PASSOVER Jesus was the perfect lamb without blemish who was sacrificed in our stead on the Feast of Passover. We believe that He died mid-week, not on "Good Friday." Jesus also kept Seder, the ceremonial supper all Jews eat the night before, and it was in the middle of this that He instituted Communion. We also see the Lord's Supper as a picture of the Bride's contract with her Groom. And Jesus will come back for His Bride one day! He has a contract. The photo to the left shows the ceremonial elements of the traditional seder. (click on the small image) The photo to the right shows the formality of the table settings. It's a time for feasting and remembering what the Lord has done for us.

DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD Leaven is a type of sin. Lasting for seven days, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a symbol then of the holiness walk, which all Christians should aspire to. It is for 7 days that no leaven is eaten nor found within a habitation. Jesus fulfilled these by living a sinless life.

FIRSTFRUITS This Holy Day always falls on the first day of the week (Sunday) during the Days of Unleavened Bread. On it a priest would present a "wave offering" before the Lord to symbolize the early spring harvest. Jesus fulfilled this when He rose from the grave and brought with Him a number of saints who were resurrected afterward, and appeared to their loved ones. (Matthew 27:52,53) They became His "wave offering."

PENTECOST Because the New Testament Christians obeyed Jesus and tarried in Jerusalem, meeting to keep this feast day, according to their custom, the Holy Spirit descended upon them all and they were baptized by fire and given spiritual giftings to aid them as they preached the gospel and witnessed to the furthest ends of the earth.

FEAST OF TRUMPETS The Hebrew word is Rosh Ha Shana. And we know that Christ will return for His Bride with the shout of the archangel and with the "trump of God" to announce His appearing. Trumpets are the instruments of the herald and the Lord seems to love to announce important news this way.

DAY OF ATONEMENT "Vengeance is Mine," saith the Lord. And on this Day, a fast day where no food or water are consumed, we know that God is going to vindicate the death of His holy Son, who died a terrible death in our stead.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES Following that period will be a millennial time of rest - as is portrayed in our wall mural above - of peace and of great fellowship. This also lasts 7-days, and all who partake enjoy the finest food and the knowledge that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords - over the whole earth! Zechariah prophesied, too, that in the latter days "all nations will go up to Jerusalem from year to year, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles ..." It is followed by the Eighth Great Day, a final Holy Day period that is symbolic of the number which stands for "New Beginning." And we believe that it is symbolic of the eternal lifetime we shall have with the Lord. Who knows what great things He has in store for those who love Him and keep His Commandments?

HANUKKAH We read in the 2 Books of Maccabees about the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes and how he set out to assimilate the Jews and eradicate their religion and culture. He very nearly succeeded but for the rebellion of a single family named Maccabee. Because they would not deny the "one true God," and would not compromise their faith and values, they were severely persecuted and martyred. Nevertheless, the Lord was with them and their valiant men and in 3 years they managed to overcome a great army of professional soldiers - while they were only armed with shovels and pitchforks! The Jews today remember the miracle of the lighting of the Temple candlestick, which stayed lit for 8 days even though there was only oil for one. We prefer to focus on the uncompromising stance of the Maccabees and remember that we are in an age today where it is fashionable to fit in to the community and easy to make compromises that can lead to becoming lukewarm - and thereby risk being vomited out of the Lord's mouth when He comes back for His Bride!

This is how we commemorate Hanukkah at Followers of Christ Church ... The tallest candle is called the "shamash," which means "servant." What more perfect symbol for our Lord Jesus Christ, the Servant-King! The other 8 candles are all lit one at a time for each of the 8 nights and are symbolic of various Biblical principles. Incidentally, the print on the wall over the "hanukkiah" is by the famous artist Thomas Blackshear. It symbolizes all the world's five races of mankind, on the Day of Pentecost, receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

CHRISTMAS There are those who think we are opposed to Christmas or teach that Christmas is evil. Not so, but we prefer to remember that it was originally intended to honor Jesus' coming to this earth as a baby. Over the past several years it's gotten totally out of hand and Jesus is nowhere to be found in most instances! We would rather that each of our members come to their own conclusions about Christmas and if they choose to celebrate it, to do it in honor of the Lord.