Prophetic Preview: Christians Celebrate Sukkot in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM, Israel – Jewish people around the world are celebrating Sukkot, the biblical Feast of Tabernacles, which is also a meaningful holiday for many Christians.
Every year, thousands of Christians from all over the world come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and to show their support for Israel.
Many of them dress in colorful, traditional costumes from their countries and join the annual Sukkot parade through the streets of Jerusalem.
"We love Israel," a Christian pilgrim from Malaysia remarked. "We stand with Israel and we want to be here. Every year we make a point to be here. We're bringing people to show that there are friends for Israel."
Vere Catan from Singapore told CBN News he is honored to support Israel on behalf of his country.
"Israel has been a close ally of Singapore since the beginning and we owe Israel so much," he said. "They helped us when we were nothing. Israel was the one who helped us. It is my honor to support Israel on behalf of my country."
At a time when many nations are turning against Israel, this support is a morale boost for Israelis.
Mira, an Israeli tour guide, told CBN News, "I'm excited working with pilgrims that love Israel and come here with all the problems that they have in their country, not acknowledging the State of Israel but coming here and supporting us."
Many believe this feast will one day fulfill its prophetic meaning.
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem Media Director David Parsons spoke with CBN News about the significance of Sukkot.
"The prophet Zechariah said one day all the nations would come to worship the Lord and keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem [Zechariah 14]," Parsons explained. "You're not only remembering God's provision in the wilderness at this Feast but you're looking forward to the Messianic Kingdom. We believe this is [the] Feast of the birthing of the Messianic Kingdom when the Lord arrives to take up the Throne of David."
About The Author
In a time where the world's attention is riveted on events in the Middle East, CBN viewers have come to appreciate Chris Mitchell's timely reports from this explosive region of the world. Chris brings a Biblical and prophetic perspective to these daily news events that shape our world.
He first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. Chris repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. One of his more significant reports focused on the emigration of persecuted Christians from the Middle East.
In the past, Chris' reporting has been distinguished by award-winning coverage of revival movements and other spiritual issues. In addition to the Brownsville revival in Pensacola, Florida, he also covered an outbreak of revival in Missouri. His report on the "holy laughter" revivals in Toronto and London was named CBN's "Focus Story of the Year" in 1994.
That same year, Chris also earned a "Short Story of the Year" award for his examination of religious coverage in network news. He has reported on such movements as the Promise Keepers and the annual "Prayer and Fasting" campaign led by the late Campus Crusade founder, Dr. Bill Bright.
In addition to his reports for The 700 Club, Chris is a regular contributor to Christian World News, a weekly 30-minute newscast that airs nationally in multiple markets.
Before joining CBN News in 1992, Chris worked for three years as a researcher, producer, and reporter for the Features/Testimonies department of The 700 Club.
A native of the Boston area, Chris earned a B.A. in History at the University of New Hampshire in 1975. In 1987, he graduated with honors from Regent University, earning an M.A. in Communication. While a student at Regent (then CBN University), he anchored Newsight, a student-produced Christian news program.
After almost a decade with CBN News, Chris' goal is to provide in his stories the Biblical "understanding of the times" described in I Chronicles 12:32.
