Thoughts for the Day

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Yesterday we looked at Simeon who greeted the baby Jesus and prophesied that He was the Messiah. Also in the Temple was Anna who in the New Revised edition of the Bible is called a 'Prophet' rather than a 'Prophetess'. She is one of only a few women granted this title, among them being Miriam the sister of Moses, Deborah a Judge, and Isaiah's wife. Her name means 'favour' or 'grace'.

We are told that she is extremely old and had been a widow for most of her life, dedicating her time to God and worshipping in the temple every day and night. Like Simeon she recognises the baby Jesus as the Messiah - the one whom God has promised to send to save His people - and she praises God. She also begins to tell all those in the vicinity about the child.

When we recognise Jesus as the Saviour, the One who comes to reconcile us to our loving Heavenly Father, we too need to praise God, and then share that joy with those around us through our actions and if possible through our words.

Lord God,
we thank You for the Prophet, Anna -
for her amazing insight and complete faith
that You had sent the promised Messiah to earth,
in order to reconcile Your people to Yourself.
May we too have faith that all that happens
in our life and in our world is in Your hands;
and may we learn to fully trust you
and to pass on the Good News to others.
Amen.