Anna

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

She, like Simeon, was very old. She had been a widow for many years, but after her husband had died, rather than remarrying, she had chosen to dedicate her life to God, to live in the temple, to worship God always.

She too knew the prophecy of the coming Messiah. Could this be Him, over there in the arms of Simeon? She drew nearer to them, as quickly as her aged legs would carry her. As she beheld the tiny baby, she knew He was the One. She listened to Simeon’s words and was filled with indescribable joy. She thanked God for letting her be a part of this glorious event. Then, with a renewed energy she hadn’t felt in years, she went about telling everyone of the wonder she had beheld.

We too are a part of this wonderful occasion. We celebrate the gift of God’s Son at Christmas, who was born to bring us salvation. Isn’t that worth telling everyone you meet?