Recently I observed the annual celebration of Days of Atonement also known as Yom Kippur. People around the world from sunset on Oct. 7 to after nightfall Oct. 8, 2011, spent times in deep reflective prayers and fastings to God. These days are considered to be a time for introspection and repentance, turning from sin and making restitution with God.
A quick historical lesson:
-Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year also known as the Day of Judgment and Day of Remembrance. It is the first of the High Holy Days also called the Days of Awe which occur in the fall part of the year.
-Yom Kippur- also known as Day of Atonement follows 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. Known as the Day of Atonement, it is considered the holiest and most solemn day of the year by the Jews. Its central themes include atonement and repentance.
Combining these two events, there is a period of ten days in between both holidays that is, known also as the Ten Days of Repentance.
Churches and synagogues around the world observe these days annually
Noticed my title above, I purposefully selected the words Days of Awe as well as the word celebration. One might ask why you would celebrate a time of fasting, repentance and basic sadness. Or one could wonder how can these times of reflections and meditation of shortcomings cause anyone to celebrate?
True this historical time is a time of mourning but for many including myself, I rejoice!
I rejoice because my joy comes from Christ and what He did on the cross.
These Days of Awe have left this servant in awe of a holy, just and merciful God!
Thank you God for sending Jesus! It is because of Your great love and His obedient great work on the cross that sins have been atoned for, and I am forever grateful to Him, joining with the Psalmist in The Great Hallel
“What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.”
Psalm 116: 12-14, 16-17 (NKJV & NLT translations)
“And in his temple all cry, "Glory!" declaring and praising His name forever. Psalm 29 (ESV translation)
Will you join with me in The Great Hallel, taking the cup of salvation? Receive the work Jesus accomplished on the cross and all it has to offer by turning from your sins, agreeing with God and aligning yourself with Him. Then your days will be filled in awe of the great holy and majestic God almighty and the great deeds He has done!
Praise His name!
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