The children's eyes were sparkling with anticipation as they bounced down the stairs dressed in their PJs. Squeals of delight flowed with them at every landing. Mom followed with her arms full of meal preparations, and in her hands a tightly held crock pot full of their dinner. The family was headed out to the Sukkah to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Everywhere around them was a spirit of joyfulness. Laughter and music and dancing filled the streets and the few open areas where the little booths had been set up. Palm branches covered the top and provided a peek at a sky brilliant in the setting sun. Soon the night sky would sparkle with a million stars. The joyful celebration would go on into the night. Some would sleep in their tiny booth and recount the stories handed down through the generations of how God had lead their ancestors through uncertain times in the wilderness journey of over forty years. Their praise was that in fragile uncertain times, they served a God who was their source and would provide exactly what they needed in food and shelter and protection.
The Feast of Tabernacles or "Sukkot" is a holiday that was commanded by God in Leviticus 23:27-44. Sukkot means "booths". After the children of Israel had walked across dry land through the Red Sea with Pharoah's army on their heels, they had watched in amazement as the army was washed away by the waters that crashed down on the path they had just traveled. Then joyful praise and dancing had broken out with Miriam leading. Finally, exhausted from all that had happened, they found their nights rest in the booths built for Jacob's flocks and herds many years before! (Genesis 33:17) The place was called Sukkot. Today we might call it shanty town!
Today, children experience the same joy and praise God with their families as they gather in their sukkahs to eat and sing and remember. One of the special times of their 
celebration involves a wonderful visual aid called "The Lulav and the Etrog".
It is a visual representation of the Messiah. God commanded it be used to praise Him in Leviticus 23:40 TLV.
"On the first day you are to take choice fruit of trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook and rejoice before Adonai your God for seven days."
This combination of branches, the palm, the leafy trees (they use myrtle branches) and the willow is called the Lulav. The citron or "etrog" is used for "choice fruit of trees". Each part of this combination has special meanings.
The palm is tall and straight and stands for HaShem or God Himself. The willow is bent over and touches the ground. It grows near streams or other sources of water. It stands for Jesus or Yeshua as He came down to earth and was bent over with the sins of the world. He is also our source of living water. The myrtle branches are shaped like lips and represent the Holy Spirit who loves us and comes near to us and even dwells within our hearts. And that brings us to the Citron or Etrog. Since it is from the citrus family it has a lovely fresh aroma when scratched. It is the size and shape of a human heart and it represents our hearts. When it is combined with the three branches it represents the Messiah and the oneness He brings with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Near the Anna's Gate headquarters is a Jewish/Messianic Community called Shomair Yisrael. Its Rabbi is Michael Weiner. In the following video (Used with permission) you will see the blessing that is sung during the Sukkot candle lighting (sung by his wife Anne) and then a wonderful explanation and visual of the Lulav and Etrog and also how it is used to praise God by waving it before Him.
Isn't God wonderful to be such an amazing source for all our needs and one who loves to give us reminders and celebrations that fill us with understanding and joy?
