Biblical Holidays

God created "lights in the firmament of the heavens" to serve as "signs and seasons" (Genesis 1:14) - a foreshadowing of the Hebrew calendar which serves as a yearly reminder of His faithfulness and His Covenant. These ancient "appointed times" form the basis of the Jewish holidays, celebrated by the early church, each representing a specific part of God's plan of redemption as fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah. This series of messages and worship services provide rich insight into these holidays and how they deepen our experience and understanding of our Lord's work: both that which has been fulfilled in the first advent, and that which has yet to be fulfilled in the future.

Messiah in the Passover

The Passover is an ancient festival that carries a powerful message for today. The first of seven "appointed times" given to ancient Israel, this holiday forms the primary background for understanding the events of the Upper Room, the symbolism of the Lord's table, and the meaning of Messiah's sacrificial death.

God's Appointed Times: Messiah in the Feasts of Israel

This message provides an introduction to God's Appointed Times, an exploration of prophecies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, looking forward to the culmination of all things, and to the Kingdom of God

Purim: Seeing the Unseen Hand of God

This message focuses on the main themes found in Esther: purpose in life beyond that which we see, man's evil devices vs God's will and plan, God's faithfulness in spite of our unfaithfulness, deliverance and divine sovereignty.

Messiah in the Spring Feasts of Israel

This message explains how the work of Messiah was foreshadowed in the Biblical feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Weeks (Pentecost)

The Feast of Firstfruits: the Resurrection in Hebrew Prophecy

Many have wondered if the Resurrection of Messiah was foreshadowed in the Torah. Well it was! Just as the Passover paints a clear picture of Messiah's atoning sacrifice for sin, God gave to Israel “Chag ha-Bikkurim” – the Feast of Firstfruits, which takes place every year exactly 3 days after Passover.

Messiah in the Feast of Pentecost

It is no small coincidence that God chose this festival to inaugurate the New Covenant by pouring out his Ruach Kodesh (Holy Spirit) on Shavuot following the crucifixion and resurrection of Messiah.

Messiah in the Fall Feasts of Israel

The Biblical holidays which occur in the Spring time point us to the work of Messiah that has been fulfilled and completed in history. On the contrary, the Fall feasts of Israel look forward to events yet to take place ...

Messiah in the Feast of Tabernacles

Sukkot reminds us of God's continual providence in our lives. It also points us to the immanent presence of the Lord Jesus, who "tabernacled" with us as a man some two thousand years ago, and who is coming again soon to establish his eternal Kingdom.

Hanukkah - the Feast of Dedication

Hanukkah is a popular Jewish holiday, often thought of as the "Jewish Christmas." At the time of Jesus it was referred to simply as "the Feast of Dedication." Jesus actually celebrated this holiday, and we read about it in John 10:22-30.

Without Hanukkah there would be no Christmas

Christmas and Hanukkah - most people do not know what one holiday has to do with the other. Yet these two great holidays are "joined at the hip" in quite a profound way-and the link goes much further than the giving of presents, the lighting of candles and the times of family togetherness we enjoy during this season. You see, without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas!

Advent and the Jewish Messianic Hope

This message explores the historical backdrop to the Christmas story, connecting the sense of immanence of the first Advent to the second coming, and examines the role played by the Jewish people, both then and now.