The haftarah (prophetic reading) for the Shabbat of Chanukah is from the book of Zechariah, who sees a menorah and asks an angel what it means. The angel answers, “This is the word of Adonai to Zerubavel, ‘Not by might and not by power but by my spirit',  says Adonai Tzevaot. Whoever you are, great mountain, before Zerubavel you will become a flat plain. And he (Zerubavel) will bring forth the foundation stone.  And in victory all will shout blessings to it"

I don't know what the official translation of Zerubavel's name is (he was descended from a Judean king and was a secular head of community after the return in the 6th century BCE), but I see zer=strange/alien and bavel=confusion in there. Strange confusion.

So we can translate, “Great mountain in the path of strange confusion, you are going to be leveled, and great things are coming.”

These verses are speaking to me today. They are saying, “I may be on a road of confusion and alienation, I may not completely understand what is happening in my life. I may be seeking my purpose. There is a huge mountain of adversity, strife, grief, and loss on that road right in front of me. Who are you, anyway, great mountain? I will overcome you and level you to the ground. Out of the rubble, I will draw out the cornerstone, the foundation of the rest of my life, and all will bless it and show it grace.”

What do these verses say to you? Chag Urim Sameach, Have a joyous Festival of Lights!