There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
— Luke 2:36-40 (NIV)
In the midst of the bustling temple, a woman named Anna stands as a powerful example of unwavering faith and patience. For years, she had been a widow, dedicating herself to fasting, praying, and worshiping in the temple day and night. Despite the hardships and loneliness she endured, Anna chose to remain faithfully devoted to God. She knew that God’s promises were true, even if she couldn’t always see them fulfilled in her lifetime. Anna’s story is one of persistent hope, her heart continually longing for the redemption of Jerusalem—the moment when God's salvation would come.
When Anna encountered the infant Jesus, she immediately recognized Him for who He truly was—the Messiah, the hope of the world. In that moment, her joy overflowed, and she began to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her life had been marked by a long waiting period, but when the Savior arrived, Anna was ready. Her heart was prepared to celebrate God’s faithfulness, even after so many years of waiting in silence.
Anna’s response challenges us to reflect on our own seasons of waiting. While we may not always understand the reasons for delay or the timing of God's plan, we can choose to remain faithful. Like Anna, we are invited to worship, pray, and trust that God is working in the unseen. The fulfillment of His promises may not always come in the way we expect, but it will always be worth the wait. In Advent, we are reminded that joy often comes after seasons of hardship, and that God’s perfect timing will bring hope and redemption.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of Anna, whose faith and patience inspire us to trust in Your timing. Help us to remain faithful in our seasons of waiting, knowing that You are always at work. May we find joy in the waiting and peace in the knowledge that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. Open our hearts to see the ways You are moving, and fill us with hope as we await Your redemption. Amen.
Reflection Questions
These questions are designed to help you reflect more deeply on the themes of trust, obedience, and waiting on God’s timing during Advent.
- In what areas of your life have you been waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled? How can you remain faithful during this waiting period?
- How does Anna’s example of worship and prayer encourage you to keep trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems delayed?
- Reflecting on your own life, how can you prepare your heart to recognize God’s work, just as Anna did when she saw Jesus?