Have you ever been asked the question, "Why don't you celebrate Jesus' resurrection?" That question was once the reaction to my comment that I do not celebrate Easter. The other person assumed that Jesus' resurrection wasn't all that important for me.

Yes, Jesus' resurrection is important for me, and I celebrate it every year when I keep the biblical fall festivals. The Feast of Trumpets reminds us of God's intervention in human affairs, which will culminate in the return of Christ to this earth. The day of Atonement shows us Jesus' action in the removal of Satan and his influence. The feast of tabernacles pictures 1000 years of peace when Jesus will reign on this earth. And the Last Great Day – the 8th day – pictures the great judgment when all human beings who never had the opportunity to know the true God will get their opportunity to do so.

All these events are directly tied to Jesus' return and His subsequent actions. What does all that have to do with His resurrection?

The apostle Paul wrote: "If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable" (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).

We might add: If Christ is not risen, He won't be returning, either! Therefore, Jesus' 2nd coming is a confirmation of His resurrection from the dead!

Paul continues: "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (verse 20).

We know that, making the symbolism of the fall festivals so important and joyous. Jesus – the resurrected Christ! – will return to this earth and "reward your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great" (Revelation 11:18).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!