These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Thursday, The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas, December 30

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 
And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (Lk 2:36-40)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123021.cfm
Sometimes the Prophetess Anna (84 years young!) is forgotten in the Christmas Story, but what an important role our elders have to play in our lives. Our elders are able to see God’s promise fulfilled as they bless us with their wisdom and experience and share the story of their lives with us all. Today’s Christmas Carols are from some youngsters having fun making churros for Christmas.