In Roman History there used to be a time of Wintertime celebration called the Saturnalia. It was originally the date of 12-17 but then expanded to 12-23. It was a time of wild merrymaking and domestic celebrations. The Messiah warned about "the cares of life" when he returns. What did he mention? He mentioned drunkenness and dissipation (carousing). This means alcohol induced sexual immorality. There is a good article at https://.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia which mentions drunkenness in note 32.

 

   Would the Messiah have known about this time of year? Yes. Some days of Hanukkah could overlap Saturnalia some years. There was the Antonia Fortress, the Roman garrison, at Jerusalem with many Roman soldiers. Were there roaming off duty soldiers, like wolf packs on the prowl, very drunk and looking for lone girls or women to rape or gang rape? Yes. I bet the wise Jewish fathers and husbands did not want their girls and women away from home from sunset on 12-16 until dawn on 12-18. Precautions.

This is a WATCH period from 12-16 at sundown until 12-18.

 

   The date of 18 is cross linked to Kislev 24 in the prophecies in Haggai 2. Most translations state 12-18. That is the day for " I will shake the heavens and the earth" according to the Lord. Also "From this day and upwards I will bless you". Some translations say onwards.

 

   After the days of Hanukkah from 12-6 to 14 are these WATCH period days from 12-16 to 18. This is the first time I think anyone at five doves has ever noted the time and themes of Saturnalia as relating to the Master's warning about being overtaken by "the cares of life" of drunkenness and dissipation on the day and hour of his return. Come quickly, Lord...

 

 

 

With Love and Shalom,

 

Jean