Dear Doves,There is a very joyous and mysterious Jewish festival that is not linked to an historical event or an agricultural event. This special holiday is on the eighth day after the Feast of Tabernacles and is called "Shemini Atzeret" and is a convocational Sabbath.Shemini Atzeret means "The Assembly of the Eight Day" and takes place on Tishri 22-23, sunset September 29, 2010 - nightfall September 30, 2010."Shemini" means the number eight, which symbolizes completed perfection, (a cardinal number which is surplus above the "perfect" number seven). The covenant of circumcision is performed on the eighth day to "complete" and instill the potential for perfection in the human being."Atzeret" means "holding back," or that which is held back for the purpose of bringing it to a state of completion. Thus, the name "Shemini Atzeret" means the eighth day which is the additional day that brings the seven-day holiday of Sukkot to its state of perfection.We are told in Leviticus 23:36, "On the eight day you shall observe a sacred occasion and bring an offering by fire to YHVH; it is a solemn gathering: you shall not work at your occupations."Rabbinic literature explains this holiday by saying our Creator is like a host, who invites us as visitors for a limited time, but when the time comes for us to leave, He has enjoyed himself so much that He asks us to stay another day!Another related explanation of Shemini Atzeret: Sukkot is a holiday intended for all of mankind, but when Sukkot is over, the Creator invites the Jewish people to stay for an extra day, for a more intimate celebration. On this eight day, it is a requirement that the pilgrims remain in Jerusalem for an extra day. YHVH is saying, "Make a small banquet for me so that I can enjoy your EXCLUSIVE company."Yeshua longs for the company of His own Bride as she lingers this extra day! We know that the Bride will rule and reign with Him for an extra day or 1,000 years!Could the true believers of Yeshua, the New Testament church be the Bride asked to stay an extra day (1,000 years) for a more intimate celebration? Could this extra day be the Rapture of the Bride of Christ?Also on Shemini Atzeret, the formal summoning of people to worship is also marked by the blast of trumpets!"Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out. ""Also at your times of rejoicing--your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals--you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God." (Numbers 10:2,10.)How exciting that this may be the day of the rapture, as the symbolism of this holiday is exclusive intimacy with Yeshua for one extra day which is as a thousand years and corresponds to the millennial kingdom! Imagine our wonderful creator asking us to stay a little bit longer with Him to have a special meal together likened to the Wedding Feast!Yes, Lord, your Bride says yes and humbly accepts your invitation with great love and honor! May we be ready Lord, without spot or wrinkle to enter into your presence. Nothing means more to us than this, O' Lord. We praise your Holy Name!Even so, Come Lord Jesus!And the Spirit and the Bride say, COME!Amen!(Read More About Shemini Atzeret)