Homeschooling From the Heart

A Complete Guide to Celebrating Our Messiah in the Festivals
Author: Susan Mortimer
Publisher: Eagle’s Educational Materials
For more info or to order: www.HomeschoolingFromTheHeart.com

Seldom does a book I choose to review end up changing my life. However, as I read this book I felt my soul quickened as I began to learn that the feasts that God ordained were “appointed times” set aside by our Creator for us to celebrate Him and to point His followers to His ultimate gift, the Messiah. Each feast has either been fulfilled by the Messiah or points to His future reign. In fact, in Zechariah 14:16-17 we learn that someday all nations will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

Celebrating Our Messiah in the Festivals contains 680 pages of unique and fascinating information. The author has created this book with both Christians and Jews in mind. She outlines each feast and constantly points the reader to the Scriptures. Susan also provides many helpful tools, including an explanation of the Jewish calendar and how the feasts line up on our current calendar system. I am impressed with the care and detail Susan has used to explain things, and with the huge variety of examples and teaching ideas she provides. Much of the information presented had never been opened up to me in church. I found in studying the festivals so many things in the New Testament take on even deeper meaning. As I read the Scriptures more carefully, I began to have even more appreciation and understanding of God’s amazing love for us and how all the pieces of the “puzzle” fit together for His glory and our good.

There are several topics covered in this guide, including detailed, clear presentation of each of the festivals appointed by God (including the Sabbath), along with sections covering Jewish Studies, the Hebrew Alphabet, and the Books of the Bible. Each section has background information, how the feast points to Messiah, recipes, ideas for celebrating, insights from families who celebrate the feasts, songs, games, activity sheets, crafts, short plays and much more. The words “Complete Guide” could not be more fitting! This resource is packed, and ideal for teaching our children about the roots of our Christian faith.

I have found this guide to be a huge blessing for our family! We are currently learning about each of the fall feasts. Then I plan to cover some of the year-round studies including the Hebrew alphabet, books of the Bible, reasons for the Law, and the Sabbath. This is not a book which points fingers, or claims that all Christians should begin to keep the feast days. Susan is careful to make the distinction between legalism and choosing to follow God’s directions out of a pure desire to worship Him and know Him better. Many will use this as a one-year study - it can even be used as your Bible curriculum. Some might decide to continue to “keep the feasts” beyond their year of study. Either way, Celebrating Our Messiah in the Festivals will lead you and your family to know and love the One who loves us most!

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $39.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 9