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Read Luke 2:22-40. One of the happiest and most underappreciated individuals in the Bible, Anna is the only named female prophet in the New Testament. She is an honored elder and prophet.
Picture Anna on one of her many daily strolls through the temple courtyard. She prays silently and aloud with the pilgrims, asking God to lift their heavy burdens. She rejoices with those who bring their children for a special blessing, 40 days after the birth of a boy and 80 days after the birth of a girl.
With her singular and holy vocation, she is always on call for God, and always waiting – waiting for the Messiah, the One who will save Israel from Roman oppression. And one day, a baby boy comes into view. She knows without a doubt he is the One – the one for whom Israel has waited!
Anna knew Jesus was the Messiah the moment she laid eyes on him. Where in your life have you met Jesus? What part of Anna’s prayer life most strikes you? How might you incorporate into your daily prayer those things which stand out for you?
This message is excerpted from “Women of Advent” by Lindsay Hardin Freeman in the November/December 2021 Gather magazine. Today is the festival of the Presentation of our Lord. Today is Groundhog Day.