Born to Dwell: Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles

Most Christians know something about Passover and Pentecost—but what about the Feast of Tabernacles? This appointed time is rich with revelation and relevance. It includes clues about the timing of Jesus’ birth and God’s invitation for us to dwell with Him in every season of life. Learn what it means to live under His shelter and shadow today.

Of God’s three appointed times, the Feast of Tabernacles is generally the one that Christians know the least about. Although many believers haven’t given much thought to the significance of Passover or Pentecost, Tabernacles is completely off their radar.

Could Jesus Have Been Born During Tabernacles?

Many biblical scholars believe Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles. It’s pretty clear He wasn’t born on December 25—a day possibly chosen because it coincided with a pagan holiday.

Although the Bible doesn’t specify the date when our Savior was born, we are given some clues on the season of His birth. For example, “The Word [Jesus] became flesh, and tabernacled among us, and we saw His glory” (John 1:14). The Greek word used here is skēnoō, which means to dwell or encamp in a tent or tabernacle. This is exactly what the Israelites did during the Feast of Tabernacles as they reenacted God’s faithfulness to them during their sojourn through the wilderness.

Do you see what a beautiful picture this is? At the same time God’s people were living in their temporary shelters during Tabernacles, their long-awaited Messiah tabernacled among them!

Abiding in the Secret Place

Throughout the Bible, we see powerful word pictures of what it means to abide with the Lord in His tabernacle or sanctuary. One of the most powerful passages is Psalm 91:1–2 (NKJV):

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

We encourage you to read through this psalm line by line, noticing God’s promises to YOU when you tabernacle with Him in His “secret place”: protection from harm … deliverance from fear … honor and blessings … confidence and peace of mind … and a satisfying, long life … these are just a few of the many benefits of learning to abide in God’s presence.

If you are  overwhelmed today, we encourage you to meditate on King David’s declaration about finding shelter and provision in the tabernacle of the Lord:

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings (Psalm 61:1–4 NKJV).

Remember, God’s appointed times provide you with a fantastic opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of dwelling in the presence of the Lord. He will be your “strong tower” and shelter amid life’s storms.

Scriptures to meditate on this month:

Week One
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 NKJV).

Week Two
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV).

Week Three
“So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27 NKJV).

Week Four
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8 NKJV).

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Every gift matters. Each seed sown in faith during Tabernacles reaps a double portion.