Readings: I John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40
There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. (Luke, Jerusalem Bible)
Deb Baird
This short passage is all we know of Anna, and we wonder about her. Didn’t she have any family, any sons who might support her? Why didn’t her husband’s brother marry her, following the Levitical law? And why is she so important that we learn her family history, but not her husband’s? Even Jesus’ genealogy is traced through Joseph.
This is what we do know. Her father is only listed once in the Bible, in this passage, with reference to Anna. His name means “Face of God.”
She was “of the tribe of Asher”, which was known as the happiest of the tribes.
She was married, widowed at a young age, and now was old.
She was a prophetess. Prophets (and prophetesses) needed to be so in tune with the Spirit that their prophecies rang true every time.
She “never left the Temple” and served God “night and day with fasting and prayer.” She was constant and faithful, practicing the spiritual disciplines.
“She came by just at that moment.” “That moment” is as Simeon is blessing the baby, his mother and father, prophesying that Jesus is destined to be “the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see” but also “a sign that is rejected” and a son who will “pierce your own soul.” This suggests that Anna followed the Spirit’s leading to be present at just the right time to see the long awaited Savior, and to recognize him when she saw him.
“She spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Israel.” Anna looked upon the face of the baby Jesus and saw, not the sorrow he would bring, but the joy and redemption. And like a grandmother, she talked about him to everyone who had ears to listen.
Anna loved God. Anna served God, with prayer, fasting and by prophesying. And Anna recognized the baby Jesus as the Christ Child.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, we would do well to follow Anna’s example: to listen to the Spirit, to pray always, to recognize the face of Christ in the faces of his children and to spread the good news.
Song: Go Tell it on the Mountain Go Tell it on the Mountain | BF KIDS | Sunday School songs | Bible songs for kids | Kids songs – YouTube
Prayer: We thank you, Heavenly Father, for the example of Anna, who listened to the Holy Spirit and recognized Jesus as the Christ. Let us also have eyes to see your face in the faces of our brothers and our sisters. Teach us to follow Anna’s example of constancy and faithfulness through the power of your Spirit, and to share the Good News of redemption with those whose hearts are yearning for good news. Amen.