The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is a significant biblical festival, celebrated with immense joy and reverence.

It commemorates the Israelites’ years in the wilderness, when they lived in temporary shelters known as booths, (Hebrew sukkot, singular sukkah). The road to Sukkot winds through the season of repentance, progressing through Rosh Hashanah, when the shofar resounds with 100 blasts heralding the arrival of the King, and onwards to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the gravest day of the year. Emerging from this sacred period, the gift and renewal of forgiveness and the recognition of God’s loving provision give rise to gratitude and elation.

Sukkot is rich in traditions reflecting its core themes of joy and remembrance. Central to the celebration is the building of the sukkah, a four-sided structure with a roof made of natural materials, such as branches or reeds, allowing one to see the stars at night. This act of constructing the sukkah serves as a tangible reminder of the Israelites’ transient existence in the wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt by God.

Families dine, relax, and even sleep in their sukkot, embracing the commandment to be joyful. This joy is not superficial; it is deeply rooted in gratitude for God’s provision and protection throughout the journey. During the wilderness years, God desired that the Israelites build a tabernacle — a sukkah — for Him, too, so He might dwell with them. Paul tells us in Corinthians that God still desires to live with us, as we have become the tabernacle of God’s Holy Spirit. So there is also great joy that our God chooses to be close to us.

Celebrating Tabernacles within a fragile, temporary dwelling constructed of branches, palm fronds, and wood marks a departure from materialism, guiding us towards a more simplistic lifestyle. Notably, God refers to this designated period as the “Season of Our Rejoicing.” Authentic joy cannot be discovered in possessions or grand residences; instead, it is found in God and His everlasting faithfulness. Sukkot invites us to focus on God’s presence with us, encouraging selflessness and true spiritual connection.

The commandment for Sukkot is to rejoice for seven days, followed by an additional day of celebration. We stand before a righteous judge, one who has also become our redeemer. Our sins are forgiven, cast into the depths of the sea, as distant as the east is from the west. Our names are inscribed in the book of life, our needs are abundantly met, and the King desires to reside among us. Moreover, we eagerly anticipate the prophesied final return of the King and the wedding banquet of the Lamb. There is indeed much cause for joy.

The atmosphere of the concluding Sukkot celebration is one of high praise and exuberant worship. Celebrants engage in vibrant pageantry, including banner processions and congregational dancing. These expressions of communal joy create an uplifting environment where teaching and sharing of stories enrich the experience. The festival embodies a collective acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness, encouraging participants to reflect on their own lives and the path of faith they walk.

The Feast of Tabernacles depicts a rich tapestry of tradition, worship, and prophetic significance. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, the joy of communal celebration, and the hopeful anticipation of what is yet to come. As believers gather in their sukkot, and for the Feast commemoration, they celebrate God’s faithfulness and provision, while also rehearsing for the ultimate celebration that awaits — the wedding supper of the Lamb. In this way, Sukkot transcends a mere remembrance of the past; it becomes a vibrant expression of faith, community, and the unshakeable hope that binds believers across generations.

Church of the Messiah will celebrate Sukkot on Oct. 25-26. Free registration is available through http://churchmessiah.org/sukkot/.

Terri Starcher attends Church of the Messiah in Xenia, is on the worship team, and teaches in various formats.