Solomon's Colonnade

Today’s Reading: John 10:22-23 (NIV)

22 Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Good morning!

When Jeff and I visit our family and friends, we are often moved by the many memories that are shared during the house tour. It all begins when we arrive on their front porch. This is the place of warm greeting. During the holidays, we find shelter from the cold and a warm welcome there. Many decorate their front porches with twinkling lights and trees, ribbons and wreaths. Our porches become gathering places for family and friends, where relationships flourish. As we move through the front door and down the hallway into the living room, we cannot help but notice the many precious memories of loved ones and friends displayed on the walls. Walls do speak volumes about who we are and from whence we came.

Solomon’s Colonnade was a walkway found along the east side of the temple area in Jerusalem. A gathering place for many, the people would walk just outside the sacred temple area, sharing stories and listening to the teachers who came to speak. It was a long, open-aired porch with double columns that were approximately thirty-eight feet in height. If only those pillars could talk! I can only imagine the stories they’ve heard throughout the years.

Jesus stepped outside the temple and strolled along Solomon’s Colonnade during the Feast of Dedication. It was winter time, and there were lots of cold and hungry people waiting to be fed. Jesus spoke to the ones who had gathered there to experience the warmth of community. The columns provided a shelter from the storms of life raging around them. As the crowd gathered, it was Christ’s warmth that overshadowed humanity’s loneliness and offered a warm welcome to all who would listen and believe.

What photographs do we display outside the walls of our churches, homes and coffee shops? Where can we go to experience a warm embrace, the gift of community, well-rooted relationships and a deep sense of belonging? Come and take a walk with the Savior today in the shelter of Solomon’s Colonnade. I will see you there.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.