1. How were Israel’s festivals similar to our modern district conventions?

¹ Joseph, Mary, their children, and others regularly went up to Jerusalem to attend the annual festivals. On these occasions, they and other worshippers would leave behind their daily cares and focus on the more important spiritual aspects of their life. The festivals afforded time to reflect on and talk about Jehovah’s goodness and to consider his Law. Our upcoming district conventions will give us similar opportunities for joyful worship of Jehovah.

2. What should we do to prepare for the upcoming district convention?

² Preparation Needed: Traveling from Nazareth required that Jesus’ family walk about 120 miles [200 km] round-trip. Though we do not know how many siblings Jesus had, we can imagine the planning and effort required of Joseph and Mary.

3. How did Israel’s festivals provide opportunities for upbuilding association?

³ Upbuilding Fellowship: What an opportunity the Jewish festivals provided for upbuilding association with fellow worshippers! Jesus’ family no doubt looked forward to being reunited with longtime friends. They also enjoyed opportunities to make new friends among the throngs of Jews and proselytes who would be present or traveling to and from Jerusalem.