The Messianic Significance of the Jewish Calendar and the Church Year

The cycle of the Church year is wonderful to teach, and on the last day of May marks the near beginning of the story again. Mashiach and the calendar are intrinsically linked throughout the biblical seasons. The end of the period of the counting of the Omer is upon us and so Shavuot is soon. Lag b’Omer (the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer) is at sundown on May 8. For some, that day is filled with Messianic promise and pain as it commemorates the Bar Kokhba revolt that ended up changing the Jewish understanding of the Messiah from then on.

Connecting the Jewish and Christian Calendars

It is important to understand the historical shifts in these observances. The start of the 49 days of the counting of the Omer have been changed to begin on the second night of Passover rather than the day after the Sabbath (Lev. 23:15), which of course then would always fall on a Sunday. The change of the beginning of the counting was done to remove any connection to the “Christian” calendar. And unfortunately, the Church also seems not to recognize the connection between the Church calendar and the Jewish calendar. However, Jewish sources will tell you that Shavuot and Pentecost are not the same celebration, but that is not true.

The Fulfillment of the Promise

It is hard to underestimate the importance of this day as God brought to fulfillment everything He had promised in the Law and the Prophets. The once-for-all sacrifice had been made, and on May 18, we mark the Ascension, as Messiah Y’shua went to the Father to advocate for us. His disciples had been told to wait in the city until “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49) as they waited “for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4).

That promise is at hand, as they gathered for the feast of Shavuot, and the celebration of God’s giving of Torah to Moses. That celebration turned into the pouring out of power onto those who received the promise that God had made, salvation through the suffering Son of God and the Word being written on our hearts! God’s Spirit is poured out on us in our baptism, and we are empowered now to go and tell.

Key Dates in the Messianic Cycle

• May 8: Lag b’Omer (the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer).
• May 18: The Ascension, as Messiah Y’shua went to the Father.
• May 25: Shavuot and the conclusion of the period of the Omer.
• May 28: Pentecost Sunday and the conclusion of the Easter season.

The Circle of Life in the Biblical Narrative

The Visitation marks Mary’s trip to her cousin Elizabeth, and sometimes lost in the pageantry of the Lenten and Easter season is the Annunciation, when we marked Gabriel’s visit to Mary when the story began again! We are encouraged to tell the story, over and over again . . . that’s the circle of life!