I have been looking forward to Shavuot since Passover ended! Shavuot begins 50 days after the first night of Passover, or basically seven weeks later. There are several significant parts to the celebration of Shavuot. First, it is to celebrate the spring harvest of grains. Second, it is the giving of the Torah. Remember the story of God giving the Ten Commandments to Moses (Deut 16). And lastly, it is the third of the pilgrimage feasts which require all the men to go to the temple to bring a tenth of their harvest.
I think it very significant to note that within the rules for this celebration the people are to include any foreigners who might be either living in the land or traveling through the land. Everyone was invited to join in!
The signs and symbols that are significant in this feast are the grains and the Torah. The grains are fashioned into breads. Grain was made into fresh flour that was used to bake the freshest bread. This was called the wave offering. Yeast bread is eaten as a reminder that sin is still part of everyday life. Our sin nature is covered by the blood of Jesus when we recognize him as our true Messiah. The Law is compared to milk and honey, foods that play a large part in the meal.
Since this feast comes in the spring, greenery is utilized for decorating the home, as are fresh flowers from the garden!
I have made several new friends in the past few months and am inviting them to join us in our celebration, along with our family! I hope you invite a new friend or two to your feast!
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