And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
(Luke 2:36-38 ESV)
These short three verses in the New Testament are hardly spoken in many Christmas, or any other messages, in the modern church. However, they pack a powerful piece of revelation for the believer.
Let us not miss what happened here:
Anna became a widow after being married only 7 years, after a living a life of purity and integrity.
Anna did not go out and decided to remarry or start a family.
Anna dedicated the rest of her life in the service and worship of the Lord her God.
Anna took up physical, emotional and spiritual residence in the House of the Lord.
Anna continually went without food because the Word of God was her bread.
Anna petitioned the LORD with prayers and supplications, day and night for 84 years, without fail.
Anna’s faithfulness was noticed by the LORD who rewarded her with being the one of only two people in Jerusalem counted of any importance, to meet the Christ Child.
Anna prophesied over Him and gave thanks to Our Great God for allowing her to see this Miraculous encounter.
Anna could not hold back the Gospel, after meeting the Baby Jesus. She knew right then and there Who He was and Why she was allowed to meet Him.
Anna proclaimed that good news to all who would listen, and who had looked for the Messiah, whose arrival they anticipated.
This is what amazingly occurred here! Anna was not just sitting in an air-conditioned temple ‘pew’ waiting on God to give her a sign. She was not like most western Christians these days!
Hers was a life totally sold out to God.
Hers was a life totally submitted to His Perfect Law and Will.
Hers was a life tied to the Promises of His Word.
Hers was a life thankfully rejoicing in those Promises.
Her motives were pure. Her conscience was clean. She put away the deeds of the flesh for a higher purpose.
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