God established the holiest day of the year, the Day of Atonement. The high priest Aaron put on sacred white linen garments, carefully washed himself, and carried incense behind the curtain, where he asked God to forgive the people. Two goats stood beside the tabernacle: one was for a special sacrifice, and the other was the scapegoat. Aaron laid his hands on its head and confessed the sins of the Israelites, then sent it into the wilderness, showing that their sins were carried away and the people could begin again.
The Day of Atonement reminded the people that God is holy and that He had also made a way for them to be forgiven and begin again. Once a year, the high priest went behind the curtain to ask God to forgive the people; the scapegoat was sent into the wilderness as a sign that the people's sins were being carried away. When we do something wrong, we can honestly admit it, ask God to forgive us, and treasure the chance to draw close to Him and begin again.
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