|  About
the Feast :
Since
its inception in 1980 the Christian celebration of the Feast
of Tabernacles, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy
Jerusalem, has been a vital and central part of our ministry
of comforting Israel (Isaiah 40:1).
Pilgrims
come from many nations to worship the Lord, pray for the peace
of Jerusalem, and to bless Israel in this time of regathering.
We
believe that celebrating the Feast each year honours the Lord
in anticipation of the fulfillment of the words spoken by
Zechariah when
“the nations...shall come up from year to year to worship
the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles'
(Zech. 14:16).
The
Christian Feast of Tabernacles is held during the Jewish celebration
of Succot. It is a celebration of unity, joy, rest, restoration
and ingathering.
Traditionally
it celebrates the gathering in of the harvest, the coming
of the rains, the protection and the provision of God.
It was at this Feast (where part of the ceremony included
the pouring out of water before the Lord) that Jesus stood
in the Temple and said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to
me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has
said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John
7:37-38).
During
the seven days of the Feast, a daily program of seminars and
teaching is offered and each evening concludes with a time
of worship. These evening celebrations are especially noted
for their pageantry in music and dance. An international choir
and orchestra lead the people into a time of praise and worship.
Those who have gathered from all over the world join their
hearts as one to glorify God and to pray for the coming of
His Kingdom - in Israel - and in all the earth. There is a
variety of other events, including a special evening set aside
for Israeli guests. It is attended by thousands of people
from this land, many being Soviet Jewish immigrants. Opportunities
are also given for the pilgrims to demonstrate, in practical
ways, their love for the people of Israel and to pray for
the peace of Jerusalem.
We
believe that the Lord specifically hand-picks the people each
year who come to serve at the Feast and puts the desire in
their heart to serve, sacrifice and be stretched by Him during
their time in Jerusalem. Ministering at the Feast will test
you in many ways- spiritually, physically, and financially
– and the rewards Jesus promised hold true -- you will also
"reap what you sow" for His Kingdom! Many of those who have
served in previous celebrations witness of the rich blessings
they have reaped from their labor of love. We trust that the
reward God has promised to those who bless Israel will be
yours in fullest measure. (Gen. 12:3)
As
you minister to those who come up from the nations to celebrate
the Feast, the blessing you bestow will in turn flow out to
the ends of the earth!
Up
to 5,000 Christians from over 100 countries have come up to
Jerusalem each year (regardless of the current political climate)
to stand with Israel. This event has become the largest and
most popular annual tourist event in Israel, taking place
in the International Convention Center Jerusalem and other
venues across Jerusalem.
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