The Festivals - Leviticus 22-24

Throughout the Old Testament, we read of the very specific practices of religious celebrations and festivals, such as Passover, the Festival of the Trumpets, etc.  Each of these had specific significance and were outlines with great detail in God's Word. 

While we as New Testament Christians do not practice these festivals and feasts, it is important to know their significance both to the Old Testament saints and the portrayal of Christ's work in each one. 

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article about Biblical feasts and how they can point us to Jesus Christ:

 

The Biblical Festivals That Teach Us About Jesus Christ -  article by Mario Seiglie

“Few people are aware of the seven festivals God reveals in the Bible. Even fewer are aware that they center around and teach us a great deal about Jesus Christ and His role in God's plan for all mankind.

"The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts" (Leviticus 23:2).  Sounds impressive, doesn't it? God Almighty saying in Scripture, " These are My Feasts ."

Yet for most of traditional Christianity, these "feasts of the LORD" are thought to have been kept only by the Jews and are deemed meaningless for Christians. New religious holidays have been substituted that supposedly center on Jesus Christ.

How did all this come to be? What is the true meaning of these "feasts of the LORD"? Do they have anything to do with Jesus Christ, or is their symbolism limited only to long-ago events? If we truly want to find the answers in the manner God instructs us, then we should follow the advice He inspired: "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

The seven feasts of the Lord are "a shadow of things to come," and Jesus Christ is at the center of all of them. Yet He has not brought them to ultimate fulfillment; that will only occur in the coming Kingdom of God.

Yes, Christ is our Passover, He is the Unleavened Bread that purifies us, the Giver of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the coming King whose arrival is announced by the blast of the trumpets, the one who banishes Satan for a thousand years, and who tabernacles with man as King of kings. Finally, He is to judge mankind and offer to all an opportunity to have their names written in the Book of Life.”