September 21 to 28, 2002
Many Christians are preparing to observe the annual Festival of Tabernacles. It is an eight-day observance that has its roots in creation itself, and has been observed by the people of God from time immemorial.
Those associated with the Churches of God Outreach Ministries will be observing the festival in various resort locations. Our readers are invited to join with us in this time of celebration, worship, fellowship, instruction from the Word of God - and fun!
The dates for the Festival of Tabernacles vary from year to year. They are based on the calendar used in Leviticus 23 - where the annual festivals are listed. Tabernacles, for example begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month on that calendar.
The overwhelming majority of observant churches use the calendar maintained by the Jews. This format is disputed by some Christians, and a variety of alternatives have been proposed - each based on a combination of sometimes conflicting factors.
It would appear that the disputes - which can be acrimonious! - are unnecessary. The Churches of God Outreach Ministries encourage the use of the Jewish calendar, but do not exclude those who use a different form, as long as Christian courtesies are maintained to ensure peaceable assembly.
Our position is outlined in the free article The Origin of the Calendar, available from any of our addresses, or by e-mail from information@cgom.org or coguk@aol.com
To comment on this article or request more information, please contact James McBride by e-mail at the comment form below.
For PDF or mailed copy, see CGOM. Excerpt from New Horizons Issue 34, July/August 2002. Edited by James McBride of the Churches of God, United Kingdom.
Go to Literature Index Page
This URL is www.abcog.org/nh/fot2002.htm