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This week, we have been looking at people who received an announcement or revelation about Jesus near the time of his birth. Yesterday, we looked at the time Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. A man named Simeon held Jesus and praised God.
An old woman was also there. She walked up while Simeon was holding Jesus. Listen to the events recorded in Luke 2:36-38, “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, 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.” (NIV)
Did you notice her response? First, she thanked God. I’m sure she knew Jesus was the Savior. Second, she spoke about Jesus to other people. Can’t you just see this smiling old widow speaking joyously to others?
In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, do we respond like Anna? We must give thanks for Jesus! Hopefully, you have family traditions like Advent candles or attending Christmas Eve services that help you focus on this. And, like Anna, we must joyously tell others about Jesus. There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas!
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.