Having grown up in a family that keeps the Sabbath and God's Holy Days, I feel comfortable at services and understand the symbolism tied to each special day. Although I know now about the relevance and deep significance of the Passover ceremony, as an unbaptized child and teen, I didn't. I always stayed home with my sister while my parents left for the evening service. Perhaps you too recall being babysat or taken over to someone's house, unclear about exactly what happens during the spiritual recommitment our parents were experiencing.

During our preteen and teenage years we may not fully understand the powerful meaning of Passover, or even know much about what takes place at the service. After talking to many teens and friends across the country, I realize how disconnected some unbaptized young people can feel about Passover. Some regard it as "just another day," and take no notice of it at all. However, God has a plan and purpose for us young people, too, and it is important for us to understand the significance of the Passover.

Passover sets the tone

To fully understand God's miraculous plan of salvation for humankind, we must understand all the festivals, even those we may not actively observe yet. As the first of God's annual festivals, Passover sets the tone for all the annual Holy Days. The Passover's meaning transcends age barriers by displaying Jesus' merciful sacrifice to remove our penalty for sinning, allowing us to draw closer to Him (Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-20).

While we continue to learn and grow as young people, there are multiple ways we can prepare for Passover along with our families. Many ministers give excellent sermons on how to spiritually prepare for the Passover. They highlight key issues that everyone can and should be focusing on: Praying to God for help in searching our hearts, identifying and working on our sins and coming to Him with a repentant attitude and spirit. We all can benefit from analyzing our thoughts and actions in order to discover how we can improve and become better disciples of Christ, learning, growing and setting positive examples for younger siblings and brethren in the process.

It also helps to study our Bibles in order to increase our knowledge and understanding. Applicable subjects include the establishment of the Passover in the Bible (Exodus 12), the command to observe it (Leviticus 23:5), Christ's breaking bread and drinking wine at this observance (Luke 22:7-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), Christ as the Passover Lamb on the cross (Luke 23) and the implications of Jesus' sacrifice to our lives.

If you have parents who observe the Passover, asking them to share their personal experiences will help you form a clearer picture of what occurs on this evening, making it come alive in your mind. When you grow older and are thinking about baptism, consider asking your pastor if you can attend the actual service and observe what occurs (without partaking in the Passover symbols) in order to understand it more deeply. (We understand that partaking of the Passover symbols of bread and wine are for baptized adults. For more information, read the free booklet, God's Holy Day Plan: the Promise of Hope for All Mankind .)

Christ suffered for us and understands us

It is important to remember that Jesus sacrificed His life for everyone; this gift of life to all becomes even more powerful when we realize that He suffered as a human as we do daily. He saw, felt and lived our pain. Because He understands us, we are able to form a stronger relationship and build a deeper connection with our Savior.

Jesus instructed His disciples to allow little children to come to Him saying, "of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:13 -14). While we are growing up we should seek to learn about all the ways we presently can be involved in inheriting this promise. As children of God and part of His family (1 John 3:2), the Passover shows us important and essential truths through the annual reminder of His love for us held in His plan of hope for all of mankind. VT