So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the Lord. Leviticus 23:44
We've lost something in the church today. Our modern church calendar revolves around two days, Christmas and Easter - two very important days to be sure. But somehow we've lost a sense of ongoing community.
The Jewish calendar was established with celebration feasts at appointed times during the year. Today, using the term "feast" generally makes me think of a meal, but oftentimes an Israelite feast entailed a full week of celebration. The entire community stopped to focus on what God had done for them.
Now, we are all work. We have forgotten to rest. The Sabbath means little. Our celebrations tend to consist of gifts for the kids and a day of over-eating for the adults.
Lord, forgive us for forgetting You throughout the year. Turn our hearts back to You each day, so You might be glorified and the world will be changed.