Anna the Prophet: An Advent Reflection

Anna’s wedding day must have been a joyous occasion, a most important day in the life of a young Jewish woman. And she almost certainly would have married as a young teenager, according to the custom of her day. It was the hope of every Jewish maiden to marry and bear children. But Anna had been chosen by God for a unique purpose. Luke tells us that she was a prophet, gifted with special wisdom and insight. Did her husband realize what a treasure God had given him?

After only seven years of marriage, Anna’s husband died. Her world was torn apart. She was only in her twenties and already a widow. Anna could have become bitter and angry at God for allowing this tragedy in her life, but instead she let her suffering draw her closer to God. Believing in God’s special purpose for her life, she devoted herself to serving him.

For many decades, Anna lived in the Temple, spending her days in fasting and prayer. She lived in a time of great political upheaval and religious corruption, yet she faithfully interceded for her people, trusting in God’s promise of a Messiah. Throughout the year, Jewish families came to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and celebrate religious holidays. Year after year, they saw Anna serving in the Temple; she had been there as long as most people could remember and they admired her devotion.

By the time she reached eighty-four years old, Anna’s physical health had no doubt deteriorated, but her spiritual senses were keen and sharp. A lifetime of diligently seeking the Lord had made her uniquely sensitive to his leading. Anna was a woman devoted to prayer, not just talking to the Lord, but listening to his voice. Like Enoch and Elijah before her, Anna truly walked with God. That is why when a certain young couple came to the Temple to dedicate their infant son, she knew immediately that this was no ordinary child.

Anna recognized that this tiny baby named Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. Her heart leapt within her; God’s promise was at last being fulfilled! The Deliverer had been sent! And as the culmination of a lifetime of humility and obedience, God had allowed Anna to see the Savior before she died. Luke says “coming in that instant, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (2:38).

Anna’s joy was boundless and she shared the exciting news with all the faithful believers with whom she came in contact. People must have been surprised, and even doubtful, when she proclaimed the message, especially when she said that the Messiah was a poor peasant child. Anna lived in a time when a woman’s testimony was not even allowed in a court of law.

But Anna had built her credibility through years of faithful service to God. People recognized her as the woman they had seen praying and fasting in the Temple, year after year, the one who radiated love and joy. Some of them truly surely knew that Anna was a widow and that her loss had only deepened her faith in God’s promises. The Redeemer of Israel had come at last! This was no ordinary message, but Anna was no ordinary messenger.

Because she chose to trust God and follow his direction for her life, Anna was able to fulfill the special purpose for which she was designed. Her obedience and humility had placed her in the right place, at the right time, with a spirit sensitive to God’s leading. And she had the honor of being one of the first evangelists recorded in Scripture, one who gladly proclaimed the Good News of the promised King!