There are several starting dates in the secular American calendar – New Year’s Day, start of school, and fiscal year start dates. Religions have start dates also. The Hebrew calendar has two historical dates to begin the new year – Rosh Hashanah in the fall and first of Nisan in the spring. Most might be familiar with first of Nisan because it begins Passover. However, Rosh Hashanah is historically understood to be the first day of creation. It’s also called the “Feast of Trumpets” which reminds me of some scriptures pertaining to Yeshua’s return. It is a time of introspection and reflection over the previous year. It’s a call to repent in preparation for Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is followed by the final feast, Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles, a great time of celebration that during Yeshua’s reign all nations will celebrate. This final appointed time is also referred to as the great wedding feast.
I bring this to our attention because it’s time to search our hearts, repent and prepare for the Day of Atonement. We don’t need to prepare for a temple sacrifice, but it’s a good time to remember Yeshua’s work on the cross. His sacrifice was for the purpose of bringing us near the Father. Autumn is busy but should not interfere with remembering this wonderful season. If there was ever a time for new year’s resolutions, it’s now; not half-heartedly attempts but life changing choices, and thank you YHVH that You have empowered Your children to make such lasting change.
Churches and synagogues all around the world will sound the shofar (trumpet) on September 29, 2011. Will this be the year of Yeshua’s return? Only the Father knows, but isn’t it exciting to know that one year as the trumpets are sounded, we will see His return!
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16
