We move to the next scene, where we see in this story of Jesus, in Luke two verse thirty three a new character:
[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. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.
She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.
She came along as just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.
She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
When Jesus parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.]
Isn’t it amazing how God uses older people? I find it both an encouraging and challenging thought.
Each one of them were beyond years of ministry yet God chose, to allow them to be a part of the story of Jesus.
Beginning with Zechariah, who was an old man, then Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, God wanted all of them to play a part in this very special baby’s birth.
Anna was waiting for the chosen one also.
Just as Simeon was led to the temple that same day Jesus was there, Anna was nudged to go see, at that very same hour, something special for herself.
She had spent many days in this temple. But this day was different.
This day perhaps, there was an excitement, a holy ‘stirring’, the Messiah was here.
How very wonderful to include so many players and characters in this Holy story.
It is amazing to see that not only Mary and Joseph experienced this ‘miracle’ birth, but so many were also witnesses to it.
God did not allow his baby son, to be born in isolation or privacy.
He allowed this ‘Holy night’ orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, to be witnessed and proclaimed by many.
The spirit of Christmas is weaved all throughout this Christmas story.
As we continue to read and study it, we will see and remember how very special this time was for everyone.