Figured out how to add things.  Don’t have much to say today.

There is a dearth of humor in the world.  I apologize for not supplying new jokes for the last month.  Please bear with.

Advent is a season of waiting, particularly waiting for Christmas to arrive. Based on past experiences for most of us, the anticipation of Christmas is worth waiting for. We know what is coming – family gatherings, good food, presents, games, rest and relaxation. We want it to come and we know WHEN it is coming, so we can make all the preparations – turkey, tree, decorations, and desserts.
In Luke 2, Simeon and Anna are waiting but not quite sure what for. They probably knew each other; how many people could both be in the temple every day and not at least notice each other occasionally? Simeon had a promise – “it had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Assuming Anna was a competent prophetess she must have had some idea that an important person was coming. Her father’s name, Phanuel, means Face of God and her own name means grace; she trusted God to be working around her all the time.
In any case, Simeon and Anna waited well – being righteous and devout, worshiping with fasting and prayer. When Joseph and Mary showed up at the temple, the two of them were ready. Simeon took the child in his arms, blessing God and uttering prophecies for the boy, the parents, and the nation. Anna immediately gave thanks and started speaking to everyone about the redemption of Jerusalem and all of Israel.
Their joy and awe was obvious. Simeon’s faith grew as he realized God had once again kept His promises. Anna rejoices because she had seen the grace of God in the face of this little child. May our waiting during and after this Advent season be full of expectation and awe at the real circumstance behind the festivities – Immanuel, God with us.

The buzzards were really angry when the airlines limited them to just one carrion.