In 2004, I attended my first Feast of Tabernacles on a whim. I had just been laid off from my job. My friend Lori said I should come spend the festival with her in Florida. Eight days on the beach? Count me in.

Those eight days became a turning point in my life. My eyes were opened to God and His amazing plan. I can list lots of reasons I keep the Feast of Tabernacles, but here are four reasons.

Reason #1: It is God's Feast

Leviticus 23 talks about all the feasts, included the Feast of Tabernacles. God describes them as "the feasts of the Lord" and "My feasts" (Leviticus 23:2). Notice the wording. These are not Jewish feasts or Israeli feasts. These are God's feasts, God's holy days. These days are meant for everyone. That brings me to reason number two.

Reason #2: Everyone will keep the Feast of Tabernacles, someday

Zechariah 14:16 says, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles." If we will all do it someday, why not do it now? The simple fact that everyone will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles after Christ's return shows that the festival was not just for ancient Israel, but is relevant for all people today. Did you know that Jesus Christ kept the Feast of Tabernacles? That brings me to reason number three.

Reason #3: Jesus observed the Feast of Tabernacles

John records Jesus and His disciples going to the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7:1-39. Back in John 2, we can read of Jesus going up to Jerusalem for the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. Jesus does this again in John 13. Would Jesus set the example of observing the Feast of Tabernacles and other holy days if it weren't important to keep God's feasts anymore? Was there actually greater meaning in the holy days? That brings me to the fourth reason I observe the Feast of Tabernacles.

Reason #4: The great meaning represented in the Feast of Tabernacles

All the Holy Days build on one another (which is explained in great depth here). The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes restoration. The festival pictures the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ over the earth. All people will be taught to obey God's laws during this time period.

I went to Florida for a vacation, but ended up with a vocation. The Feast of Tabernacles is such an exciting part of God's plan. All the Holy Days have amazing meaning for all of mankind. Let's honor God and keep all His Holy Days.