For some of our brethren this year, the Feast of Tabernacles will be a new experience. Others will have been keeping the Feast for many decades. But for all of God's people it is the highlight of the year—a time of great blessings, both physically and spiritually.
However, great Feasts do not "just happen." Without proper planning and preparation, some may find that the Feast is less than it should be. So, as we look forward to the Feast, let us consider some points that will help us have the "best Feast ever," no matter which site we may attend.
Feast sites change from year to year. The Church Administration Department has worked hard on site selection—arranging for meeting halls, compiling the speaking schedule and taking care of many details that make each site run as smoothly as possible for the enjoyment of all. The Festival Office staff recognizes that not every site is ideal for every Feastgoer, and encourages you to share your input regarding site selection and other matters that may improve Feast planning. Please feel free to write the Festival Office a letter, or send e-mail to [email protected].
No matter how others have prepared for the Feast, the quality of your Feast experience will depend largely on the plans you make, individually, now. Have you been faithfully saving your Festival tithe (Deuteronomy 12:17)? It is important to plan carefully for the financial needs you will have during the Feast. It is not wise to count on others to meet your needs if you run out of funds during the Festival, even if emergency funds may be available to meet unforeseen contingencies.
If you are traveling by automobile, it would be wise to plan your trip by taking into consideration the unusually high gasoline prices that we are experiencing this year. Plan also for unforeseen changes in the weather, which may particularly affect those traveling in the northern latitudes and at higher elevations.
Be sure to allow extra time for travel, both to allow sufficient rest time and to accommodate high traffic volume and road construction. By doing so, your trip can be much more relaxed and enjoyable.
It is enjoyable to be together with God's people for eight days, yet to do this requires much planning and organization at each site. Most of us have experienced firsthand that serving others, and helping out in any way that you are able, will greatly add to your enjoyment of the Feast. Do not hold back; do what you can to serve others.
Another key to having a great Feast is to participate in the scheduled activities—whether for families, for singles or for youth. These activities present an opportunity to make new friends in a godly setting. Much planning has gone into these activities, and without your support they cannot be truly successful.
As we come and go from our temporary dwellings, we should remember that we are all ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Our behavior and demeanor should be a shining example to everyone we meet. There may be tests of our patience and good attitudes, but we should rise to the occasion and serve as a good example, even when things do not turn out as we had hoped.
Your experience at services will be enhanced if you come prepared, with Bible, note paper and pen (or pencil) in hand, eager to hear what is being said. Remember, too, to get sufficient sleep and enjoy good food and drink in moderation. Finally, keeping up with Bible study and prayer will help us stay focused on the primary purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles— to rejoice before the Eternal, and to learn to fear Him (Deuteronomy 14:23–26).
Brethren, there is nothing new in these reminders, but if we all do these things, we truly can have the best Feast ever!