Dear John and all Doves,
      If we believe Hanukkah began for Israel the evening of 12-4 and ended after sunset on 12-13, the world was not finished. It will end for anywhere on the world as Israel goes to 12-14. That would give a midnight cry possibly the evening of 12-13 in America, for instance. Are the next few days ones to be watchful? Yes. Are the lights going out in the lamps? Are we entering the season of darkness? Are the sheep in the sheepfold waiting for the porter to announce the coming of The Good Shepherd? If we look to spring again, the sheep are out of the sheepfold and back outside.
      It is a great blessing that an article by Arlene is still linked at five doves on 19 Dec 2005 called "The Sheep and the Door." It still gives us clues to this Hanukkah season which technically is not over. The sheepfold months would be from November through February. She writes about John 10 and also Mark 13:33-37. There is reference to a porter or doorkeeper " and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch." The porter guards the door to the sheepfold. The sheep are gathered together rather than scattered upon the hills. Solomon's porch or columns was an area where people would gather. Arlene writes this about it " was a covered porch, with massive pillars supporting the cover/canopy." Does this remind us of another enclosure, a safe and secure sheepfold away from hirelings or thieves?
      She really has a terrific article. She refers to the people at Philadelphia who are "pillars in the temple" which is made with the living stones. Most of us think Hanukkah is over. It is for the land of Israel but not all the world is through the day 8 of Hanukkah. Will He come for the sheep in the sheepfold soon? May He be our light in the days before us. Bless you each and all.

With Love and Shalom,
Jean Stepnoski