Advent - Day 17

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).

After meeting Simeon, Mary and Joseph also encountered Anna. In our reading, Luke recalls, “Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple” (v. 36). She was an elderly Jewish woman who spent most of her days worshipping and praying in the Temple. Seeing Jesus, Anna burst into praise, confirming what Simeon had said about the baby. “She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem” (v. 38). It shouldn’t surprise us that Joseph and Mary were amazed. They had the visions and dreams, but it must have still felt rather incredible that God really did this in their lives. I find it more than of passing interest that we won’t find Simeon or Anna in any list of major Bible characters. Yet more than two millennia after this incident in the Temple, we know about them and their faith in God’s promises. God’s Word contains many promises, including God’s continual presence, his sovereignty over our lives, his Holy Spirit, his daily care, and his promise of eternal life. During times of conflict, meager resources, loneliness, and suffering, God can seem distant. That’s when we need to cling to the truth that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus Christ, which is, Himself. That the “good news.” When we fail to understand the circumstances of our lives, the difficulty we have at times taking one more step, look to the birth of Jesus. I have heard the words “I can’t” so many times when people reach the end of their personal resources. I always amazes me a bit in the face of the revelation of Jesus. You see, the whole point is that we really can’t; but God can! You may have come to a situation in your health, your family, or your personal relationship with someone special to you that seem impossible to overcome. That is simply not true. You can have victory over all of the challenges you face because Jesus has been born. He lived the perfect life of the perfect sacrifice and Savior. He conquered our greatest challenge – death itself. Is there really something else more difficult than that? Today I encourage you to turn to Jesus and receive your deliverance. The circumstance may not change in its pain and difficulty; however, you will change. You will come to the end of all your doubts and fears and rest in His assurance and courage. You will receive the peace that allows you to go on in life with celebration of every circumstance. After all, He really does have this!