A Faithful Worshipper
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:36-38
She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Another “family friend” in Jesus’ story was the prophet Anna. She was eighty-four years old and had been widowed after just seven years of marriage. Anna was from the old Israelite tribe of Asher, one of the ten tribes that had split away from the rule of King David’s line long ago (see 2 Chronicles 10). So she represented a remnant of God’s followers from those earlier times, showing that God’s promise was for them too.
The Bible says Anna never left the temple but worshiped there night and day. Perhaps she noticed the commotion caused by Simeon—or maybe she too was “moved by the Spirt” (see Luke 1:27)—and suddenly she saw Jesus. By grace, her eyes of faith were opened to see that this child was the Christ who fulfilled all of God’s promises. And immediately she began to give thanks.
Just two days ago we celebrated Christmas. Jesus, the Savior of the world, has come. Have you stopped to give thanks because of God’s good news? In him we have forgiveness of sins and hope for the future. Thank you, Jesus!
And there is more! Anna immediately began telling others that, with this child, salvation had come. Many people today are looking for love that forgives and brings joy to their lives. Will you tell them that Jesus has come to do that? You don’t have to be old; any believer, even a child, can share the good news of salvation!
Lord, thank you for the joy and praise Anna adds to Christmas. Fill our hearts with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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