Feast fever is starting to build up! The Feast of Tabernacles is just around the corner. But if we are not careful, those remaining weeks can slip by without doing some planning and preparation to make it the best Feast ever.

For the Visayan brethren, preparing for the FOT 2003 began in earnest during the first week of August. After the Sabbath service on August 2, the festival coordinator called for a meeting to discuss what preparations are to be made for the upcoming festival. A lively discussion followed as different suggestions were brought up by the members to form different committees. Many volunteered to handle particular assignments, presenting at the same time what needs are required in each committee.

Although the different committees formed have their own unique preparation and planned implementation during the Feast, there are certain programs that need an early and thorough preparation, such as the family night presentation, choir, family day, and youth activities.

The success of the Feast will depend on how the preparations are made, the effective participation of those who have been given responsibilities, and the cooperation of all who would come and attend. But the blessings of the One who has commanded His people to observe the Festival is the ultimate source of success.

But why keep the Feast? God’s people know why. God commanded His people to keep this particular Feast for good reasons. Scriptures tell us that we should learn to fear Him, who is the Source of all, including our lives. Another reason is that God wanted us to have a glimpse of what is in store for us in the future. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the coming rule of God for a thousand years, called the millennium. We, who will be given eternal life at Christ’s return, will assist our Savior, Jesus Christ, in fulfilling His ultimate plan of salvation for mankind. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures a time when Jesus Christ, with all His saints, will be administering the way of God to all humanity. At that time, pain, suffering, and sorrow will largely be a thing of the past. That time will be different from what we have today. At that time, all mankind will have to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16). The law of God will be the constitution of the world and the spirit of God will be available to all. God will give man a new nature, so that they will desire to start keeping the commandments of God. This will be a major contrast to our present age when humanity by nature is hostile to the word of God.

As God’s people, we should look forward to attending the Feast, to review the meaning of this Holy Day, and to experience a foretaste of an exciting world tomorrow. We are to rejoice during this Feast, as we learn more of God’s word, His prophecies and His laws, to be expounded by His servants for eight days. The Feast provides us with a spiritually enriching experience through our growing in reverence for God and Christ. It should also teach us greater love for all humanity.

After the Feast, if you are asked the question, “When was your best Feast ever?” I hope your answer to that question will be “The Feast of 2003!” It is up to us to make it happen!