Happy New Year 2024

 How much time do we spend waiting? One study revealed that the average American spends thirty-eight hours annually waiting in traffic and thirteen hours each year waiting for customer service. Waiting is not always easy, but certain kinds of waiting are truly worthwhile. The Gospel for the First Sunday after Christmas takes us to the temple in Jerusalem, where Simeon, a “righteous and devout” man is “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). And his wait is more than worthwhile. He gets to hold the infant Christ Child and to express his thanks firsthand for the salvation that Jesus will accomplish.  As we worship, we echo the words of Simeon, thankful that our waiting for Immanuel is over and that we are assured of the salvation brought by Jesus, the one for whom Simeon was waiting so patiently.