Dear Paul, I am not a pre-tribulation believer but mid-trib.  Only this view works for me after 30 years of study of biblical and patristic studies. Three main reason for tabernacles in 2012, understanding when creation was which I explained on Sept 3 under Creation to the crucifixion which is at Feast of Unleaven Bread. Jesus came teaching and his travels here on earth represents end time events and the coming of the antichrist in the middle of the seven years.
 
     The seven year tribulation is divided into 2 parts, first 3 1/2 years the two witnesses are here and the antichrist is out to decieve the people of Israel. In the middle of the 7 years the antichrist will claim to be god and it corresponds to the end of the six thousand years, The day after is the sabbath or the day we seek called the Day of the Lord. This is the seventh day, Sabbath day, and Day of the Lord.  it is also the day of destruction spoken of starting in Isaiah 13 onward. It is the most talked about event in all the Bible.  The last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation is actually a part of the 1000 year reign of Christ. This is where the promise comes in to keep us from the wrath where the tares are to be burned. This is what Peter spoke of in Acts 2--great and glorius Day of the Lord, for unbelievers it will be great and terrible as spoken by the prophet Joel.
 
     Tabernacles in 2012 is the only time all the pieces fit for me for when the tribulation begins. I counted back 3 1/2 years from the middle of the tribulation, and/or 3 1/2 years from Feast of Unleaven Bread when the antichrist becomes king to the feast of Tabernacles. A time of 42 months. In the tribulation it shall be again the leaders of Israel shall accept another instead of Jesus.
 
     Notice in Rev 11--Lord announces it is a time for the dead (saints) to be judged, rewarding of the servants, prophets, and saints; and in verse 17 He begins to reign. This is the first resurrection, Judgment seat of Christ., the sheep/goat judment is at end of the tribulation. The scriptures are not out of order or they would be meaningless to know the timing.
 
     When Jesus said," Only the Father knows." he was teaching us something, to look in the old covenant--Age and Ministry of the Father.  it is we who are to take the gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth, for the Lord has a plan for Israel. Maybe the prophecy of Daniel is truly unsealed---- maranatha Lord Jesus