"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." Luke 2:36-37

I remember what it was like when our children were little and how excited they would be about Christmas. We would tell them that there so many more sleeps before the day would come. Of course, every day they would ask us how much longer they had to wait.

The people who were waiting and watching for Messiah to come did not have a specific day to look forward to. The promise had been given, but the exact time was uncertain. Yesterday we heard about Simeon. Luke tells us that as Simeon finished his prophecy about the Baby Jesus, Anna appeared.

Luke 2:38 "And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Think of Anna as she ministered in the Temple. For years she had watched and waited with hope in her heart. Perhaps she prayed every morning as she went about her daily tasks. I can imagine her cleaning the lamps in the Holy Place or tidying up around the altar in the outer court. She would pause for a moment, look up toward Heaven, and wonder, "Could this be the day He comes?"

How excited she must have felt when she saw Simeon with Mary and Joseph and listened to his words. Her days of waiting were over. She knew that God had fulfilled His promise of a redeemer. She would not live to see Him perform miracles or hear Him teach, but she rejoiced at His coming. God had rewarded her for her faithfulness.

Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

Thought For Today: Let us be faithful in prayer and service as we wait for the return of our Lord.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston