Friday October 4th, we finally say goodbye to Tishrei. Tishrei, a month of celebrations and festivals, the holiest days of the year, and the month where our destiny and identities are confirmed, comes to a close at sundown on Friday. And so begins the month of Cheshvan.
Cheshvan is the 8th month of the year. Historically, the flood began on the 17th of Cheshvan, and ended the following year on the 27th of this month. On the following day, the 28th of Cheshvan, Noah brought his sacrifice to God and God swore never again to bring a flood upon the earth to destroy all mankind, and then revealed the sign of His covenant with the world, the rainbow. The first temple was also completed on the 17th of Cheshvan.
After all the festivals and Holy days of Tishrei, it seems odd that Cheshvan has no festivals. It is in fact, the only month in the year with no holidays or special events. In Tishrei, we were flooded with divinely appointed days to embrace God and prepare our selves for the new year. Tishrei is the 'head' of the year and all the functions of the head are engaged during the month. Intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually we are filled during Tishrei. All of our senses are engaged as we feast, dance, sing, blow shofars, worship with abandon, and embrace our God as He embraces us.
In fact many compare Tishrei with a wedding, where we accept the proposal of our Lord (given during Elul when the King comes to our field), and culminating in the wedding of Yom Kippur and the wedding celebration, or honeymoon, of Sukkots.
Tishrei effectively fills our heads and hearts, and prepares us for the year, by engaging all the senses. It is quite the contrast that Cheshvan, a month that has no festivals, is often associated with the heel of the foot. The heel is the least sensitive part of the body.
Cheshvan, being the 8th month of the year, is a month of new beginnings. It is traditionally considered to be a month set aside for the Messiah. It is said that the Messiah will inaugurate the 3rd temple during the month of Cheshvan.
So, what is so special about this month?
We are fully packed and prepared for the year ahead thanks to last month. So, this month, we reach out and take the hand of our new (or renewed) Husband (our Messiah) and begin our walk (on our heels) into the new places He has set destined and prepared for us. Now we begin our walk with Him to our promised lands of this year. It may seem mundane after the festivals to simply walk hand in hand with someone, but there is a powerful romance at work here. As anyone who has a sweetheart can tell you, sometimes there is nothing better than just walking together holding hands.
So, this month, don't be discouraged as you walk though a quiet 'mundane' month with no festivals. Instead enjoy the quiet time of just being with your beloved as you walk together toward your destiny. Search for those moments you can share with Him, and let him share His moments with you. And most of all…. enjoy the romance.
Cheshvan is the 8th month of the year. Historically, the flood began on the 17th of Cheshvan, and ended the following year on the 27th of this month. On the following day, the 28th of Cheshvan, Noah brought his sacrifice to God and God swore never again to bring a flood upon the earth to destroy all mankind, and then revealed the sign of His covenant with the world, the rainbow. The first temple was also completed on the 17th of Cheshvan.
After all the festivals and Holy days of Tishrei, it seems odd that Cheshvan has no festivals. It is in fact, the only month in the year with no holidays or special events. In Tishrei, we were flooded with divinely appointed days to embrace God and prepare our selves for the new year. Tishrei is the 'head' of the year and all the functions of the head are engaged during the month. Intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually we are filled during Tishrei. All of our senses are engaged as we feast, dance, sing, blow shofars, worship with abandon, and embrace our God as He embraces us.
In fact many compare Tishrei with a wedding, where we accept the proposal of our Lord (given during Elul when the King comes to our field), and culminating in the wedding of Yom Kippur and the wedding celebration, or honeymoon, of Sukkots.
Tishrei effectively fills our heads and hearts, and prepares us for the year, by engaging all the senses. It is quite the contrast that Cheshvan, a month that has no festivals, is often associated with the heel of the foot. The heel is the least sensitive part of the body.
Cheshvan, being the 8th month of the year, is a month of new beginnings. It is traditionally considered to be a month set aside for the Messiah. It is said that the Messiah will inaugurate the 3rd temple during the month of Cheshvan.
So, what is so special about this month?
We are fully packed and prepared for the year ahead thanks to last month. So, this month, we reach out and take the hand of our new (or renewed) Husband (our Messiah) and begin our walk (on our heels) into the new places He has set destined and prepared for us. Now we begin our walk with Him to our promised lands of this year. It may seem mundane after the festivals to simply walk hand in hand with someone, but there is a powerful romance at work here. As anyone who has a sweetheart can tell you, sometimes there is nothing better than just walking together holding hands.
So, this month, don't be discouraged as you walk though a quiet 'mundane' month with no festivals. Instead enjoy the quiet time of just being with your beloved as you walk together toward your destiny. Search for those moments you can share with Him, and let him share His moments with you. And most of all…. enjoy the romance.
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