Remembering Anna

This year as I was reading the Christmas story in Luke 2, I was struck by the inclusion of Anna. Why is this prophetess mentioned here? She was a widow for 84 years and so we know she is aged. Since her husband’s death she has been faithful in worship, prayer, and fasting. God honored her faithfulness by allowing her to see the Messiah. As I ponder why she is included in this text, I wonder if it is not to serve as a reminder to us to remain faithful even when it feels as though our prayers are going unanswered.

This woman had likely prayed to see the Messiah for eons and her faithful prayers were answered in God’s timing. He hears our prayers and will answer them in His perfect timing. Our job is to remain faithful in the interim. As we long for this era of COVID-19 to end, and we look forward to the end of 2020, will we remain steadfast in fasting and prayer? Will we follow Anna’s example and persevere? I pray so.

Lastly, when she met the God-child, she gave thanks to the Lord. I don’t know about you, but I am the worst about petitioning God and not taking time to thank him when he answers my prayers. Carve out time to give thanks this Christmas season.