A summary of the instructions concerning this feast day are found in Lev 23:9-14. In ancient Israel, this feast celebrated the barley harvest, and is the first of three annual harvest festivals which Israel was to celebrate to the Lord.
Jesus Christ was raised from the dead in the evening when this feast day begins, at the end of the Saturday Sabbath that falls during the week of Unleavened Bread – which is the Sunday following Passover. He is the firstfruits of all those who will rise from the dead. His resurrection is the first harvest of life from the dead (1 Cor 15:20-23)! The Feast of Firstfruits is Resurrection Day, and on this day, we celebrate Yeshua’s victory over death and the new life He gives us when we receive Him by faith (2 Cor 5:17).
This holiday may or may not fall on the same day as Easter. However, we do not celebrate it with a feast of ham, eggs, bunnies, or any of the ancient fertility goddess’ other symbols. But we do gather with family and friends, and feast, and worship God for our deliverance from death and our new life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord!
In the morning of this day, Israel was to give the firstfruits of the barley harvest to God before consuming any of the new harvest. We do not have barley to harvest, but we give a firstfruits offering to God before Christine spends grocery money on fresh spring produce in preparation for this feast day. We are trying to bow our hearts to the Spirit of the Law without stressing over the letter that cannot apply to us!
our favorite wine for firstfruits
bread:
unleavened bread
unleavened bread, gluten- free
unleavened popovers
brunch dishes:
creamy rice pudding
crepes
custard
egg casserole
matzah balls and gravy
omelets
poached eggs in hollandaise sauce
quiche
swedish pancakes
turkey bacon (applegate farms) and breakfast sausage
first course:
fresh fruit platter
salad of baby lettuces with spring vegetables, and ranch dressing
smoked salmon spread
spinach and artichoke dip
other unleavened appetizers, soups, and salads
main dish:
roasted red pepper chicken
other unleavened main dishes
side dishes:
buttered baby peas
creamed spinach
parsley new potatoes
roasted asparagus
other unleavened side dishes
dessert:
cream cheese pound cake with strawberries and cream, or
lemon pudding cake with fresh berries or
strawberry rhubarb crisp
After the meal, we worship the Lord together, play games, and have a wonderful time being with each other!
