Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Luke 2:36
During the Christmas season we often here of Mary the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Both women were highly favored by God. One carried the Savior in her womb, and the other carried the messenger who announced the Savior to the world.
Mary was young, by today’s standards, very young, between 12-14 years old. In contrast, Elizabeth was 88 when she conceived John the Baptist. Both pregnancies were miracles! Mary was a virgin. Elizabeth was barren, unable to conceive and much older, and way past childbearing days.
Both Mary and Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, were visited by God’s messenger the Archangel Gabriel to bring them good news. Luke 1:26-38 tells the story of Mary, a virgin who was told by Gabriel that she would miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In Luke 1:13-20 we learn about Zechariah’s encounter with the Angel and his somewhat human response. Zechariah was serving as a priest in the Temple and yet his response was, “What proof is there for this? I’m an old man, and my wife is beyond childbearing years.”
Mary’s response to this miraculous news from the Angel, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” After Zechariah had spoken words questioning the power of God, he was left speechless until the birth of his son John. Literally speechless. Once Zechariah demonstrated obedience his voice returned. He rejoiced and thanked God!
There is another woman in the Bible we don’t often hear about. Her name is Anna, which means grace. Anna was an elderly widow, a prophetess, and an evangelist. As a prophetess, Anna was very close to God, fasting, praying, and serving God as needed. She spoke to God and proclaimed His truth. Anna is among only a handful of women in the Bible bearing the title “prophetess.” She was highly respected because of her age and faithfulness to God.
In contrast, our society places an emphasis on youthfulness, undervaluing experience and wisdom the elderly possess. Wouldn’t it be nice to utilize or incorporate their experiences in a mentorship to young women or mothers? Instead of just seeing their weakness, let’s invigorate our elderly by encouraging them to get involved! The youth may have youth on their side, but the older generation has wisdom and experience which are far more valuable. Retirement is not mentioned in the Bible. Everyone should be doing their part to spread the Good News of Jesus!
Anna’s story is told in three verses, Luke 2:36-38. Her husband died after being married only seven years. After becoming a widow, Anna could have hosted a pity party, but instead, she turned her loneliness into alone time with God. Anna never left the temple, serving God 24 hours a day in the Court of Women. It is possible she may have lived in the temple or close by. Depending upon which interpretation you read, Anna was an 84-year-old widow, or she had been a widow 84 years. Either way, she had been in God’s family of faithfulness a long, long time.
For those of us who believe that details matter, they should be encouraged by the mention of Phanuel, Anna’s father. (His name means Face of God) His mention in these verses ties his legacy of faithfulness to the birth of Jesus our Lord. Children do not accidently turn out like Anna, they must be taught by example and encouraged to uncover the joy and peacefulness of a relationship with God. If he had not fostered his family with a devotion to God, it is unlikely he would be included in the telling of her story.
According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary’s ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn son, in obedience to the Torah (Luke 2:22-24). Anna came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph. She immediately began praising God and telling everyone about Jesus. She said, He is the one we have been waiting and expecting for God to use to rescue Jerusalem.
Oh, to be so close to God that you can recognize His Infant Son without being told! Anna’s faithfulness and obedience to God opened the eyes of her heart. Anna was richly rewarded by witnessing the Face of God. The Messiah who would save the world!
What can we learn from Anna this season?
Life is a series of ups and downs. Disappointments are unavoidable, but we can use these disappointments to help mold us into the people God knows we can be. If you find yourself alone this season, transform your experiences into a worthy gift for others who are hurting and alone. When you find yourself feeling old or useless, remember how God used Anna in her later years.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests! Merry Christmas!