Christmas StoriesStreaks of gray salt Zechariah's heavy
black beard as this old priest climbs the steps of Herod's
Temple to the twin pillars that frame a massive doorway
into the gilded building.
His heart is racing. Not from the stairs -- he's
been climbing the rugged Judean hills all his life -- but
now, in the twilight of his years, Zechariah is about to
satisfy a lifelong dream to burn incense before the Holy
of Holies inside the Temple.
He steps the final stair and peers into the darkened
portico between the pillars.
The heavy bronze door swings
easily on its pivots and he slips in, pushing the door closed.
The deep sound of it shutting echoes throughout the hall.
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