There was also a prophet, Anna ... She was very old ... was a widow ... 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 NIV
Simeon had just spoken prophetic words over the baby Jesus. Anna most probably heard his words and took them to heart as she told others about the one who was born to redeem humanity. In that sense, she seems to have been the very first evangelist. I can imagine her speaking of the Christ Child to all who came to the temple. I love that such a one, one committed to fasting and prayer for so many years, was one of the first to see the baby Jesus. Perhaps Anna is a witness to us also concerning what happens when we are faithful to worship with fasting and prayer?
... this devotion is part of an ongoing Advent series.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to get comments and usually respond. So come back to see my reply.
You can click here to see my comment policy.