Reflections on Sukkot: A Time of Joy and Revelation

Did you have a good Sukkot? It’s been a little while since this wonderful celebration, and life has been so busy that I’m only just finding the time to write about it. I hope you had a truly blessed time! For us, Sukkot was filled with joy, community, and fresh revelations of God’s goodness. Each year, I’m amazed at how the Lord deepens my understanding of His appointed times, adding layers of meaning and joy.

Sukkot is a Feast that my boys absolutely adore. This year, they took their creativity to the next level by building a Sukkah frame in their bedroom using their Quadro set with Daddy and then decorated it with Mummy. While it might not have been a traditional Sukkah, the fun they had sleeping under their creation reminded me of the heart of this Feast: that everything in this world is temporary, that we can dwell in God’s presence, and celebrate His provision with joy and so much more!

As a congregation, we also came together to build a large communal Sukkah in our barn. Yes, I know Sukkot is traditionally celebrated outdoors, but the unpredictable British weather often makes that a challenge! Regardless of location, the spirit of the celebration was so present. The joy of working together as a fellowship—building, decorating, and creating something meaningful—is a reminder of the unity we have in the Lord.

We made bunting, decorated with scriptures and pictures, and added palm branches, paper chains, and other festive touches. Once our Sukkah was ready, we shared a delicious lunch under its canopy, followed by a precious time of worship. It was so much fun that no one wanted to leave. It truly felt like a foretaste of the joy of being in God’s presence eternally.

Why Do We Celebrate Sukkot?

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is one of God’s appointed times, or moedim. It’s a seven-day celebration outlined in Leviticus 23:33–43, where God calls His people to rejoice before Him and remember how He provided for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. They lived in temporary shelters, or sukkah's, as a sign of His protection and faithfulness.

The fact is that the same God who delivered His people years ago from bondage is the same God we believe in today! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

People tend to take blessings for granted. And we tend to easily forget. It’s part of our human nature. I believe God knew this about us from the creation of the world. This is one of the reasons He gave us His Feasts, the appointed times – so we remember. 

But Sukkot isn’t just about looking back; it’s also a prophetic celebration that points us forward. It reminds us of God’s desire to dwell with His people. In John 1:14, we see the fulfilment of this in Yeshua (Jesus), who “tabernacled” among us. And as believers, we anticipate the ultimate fulfilment of Sukkot when God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

This annual celebration is a beautiful reminder of God’s provision, presence, and promise. It’s a time to pause, rejoice, and realign our hearts with His. For my family and our congregation, Sukkot is always one of the highlights of the year.

If you’ve never celebrated Sukkot, I encourage you to explore it. We have a wonderful invitation from the Lord to come and celebrate His appointed times. It’s a Feast that overflows with joy, meaning, and the presence of Adonai. For those of you who did celebrate, I’d love to hear about your experience—what made this Sukkot special for you?

Blessings,

Olivia