It's the holiest time of the year for followers of the Jewish faith. Rosh Hashana has just passed, and Yom Kippur is fast approaching.
Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New year, 5778. On the Gregorian Calendar this year, 2017, it fell on Wednesday, September 20 at sundown. It was timed at what was believed to be the anniversary of the Biblical story of creation of the first humans, Adam and Eve, as described in the Book of Genesis, which we refer to as the "Old Testament". Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, (which this year will be celebrated on September 29, 2017, at sundown), on which God decides each individual's fate and on which Jews are meant to make amends and ask for forgiveness for any sins or wrongdoings from the past year before their fate is sealed on Yom Kippur..
Rosh Hashana marks the start of the "Ten Days of Repentance" or the "Days of Awe," which culminate in Yom Kippur. According to the Jewish belief, God inscribes His judgment and the fate of each individual in the "Book of Life" on Yom Kippur. The trumpet or shofar will be sounded to mark the end of the holiday.
What does all of this mean for us as Christians? We would do well to examine our lives to see if we are living in a way that is pleasing to Our Heavenly Father. We can seek His face and ask for guidance and wisdom in the days to come. Although we may be broken and battered, or at least feel that way, we must remember the promises contained in the Word of God. What waits for us at the end of life will be worth so much more than the tribulations that we are going through at present. God rewards those who continue in the faith. Hebrews 12 reminds us of those who have gone before us. These writings are a tribute to their faith and trust in the one whose name is above all names, who gave his life as a ransom for many. Stand still and see the Victory of the Lord on your behalf. (My version of 2 Chronicles 20:17).
Winter Park Aglow Community Light House meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at Aloma U. Methodist Church, 3045 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, in Room 24 at 9:30 a.m. and lasts until about 1:00 p.m. No reservations are required and there is no cost, but an offering will be taken. Come and join us and be blessed in the presence of the Holy Spirit as He pours out His blessings upon us.
