Luke 2:36-38
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 worshipped 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.
Devotion
Like Simeon, Anna was also a devout worshipper of God. Like Simeon, Anna looked forward with great expectation concerning the first advent of the Messiah. Immediately following Simeon’s private remarks to Mary, Anna approached the couple with their newborn son and declared to everyone in the temple courts that this child was the “redemption” they had been waiting for. Like Simeon, Anna was moved by the Spirit of God and recognized the significance of the birth of this child. She would have been familiar with the Psalms where David refers to God providing redemption for His people. She also would have been familiar with the writings of the prophet Isaiah who refers to the year of redemption.
Throughout biblical history, God’s people knew that He would have to be the One who would redeem His people. Anna recognizes the Christ child as God’s redemption. She knew that this child would be the One to redeem fallen humanity. Jesus was not just the Savior for Israel. Upon His birth, the angels declared, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Anna was declaring that this child was the Savior of the world. Because she had cultivated her relationship with God, He enabled her to recognize the significance of this birth.
Questions to Ponder
What is the significance of the birth of Christ? How has Christ’s first advent impacted your life personally? How are you living life in view of Christ’s first advent? How are you living life in view of Christ’s promise that He is coming again? What does it mean to be redeemed? Are you taking time to declare the Good News of Jesus this Christmas season?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.