Anna’s Witness
Luke 2.21-38

The waiting and longing for the long-awaited Messiah in the first century was at an all-time high.  In fact, Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (the Messiah).”  Many were waiting and looking for the Messiah, yet few recognized Jesus because He did not meet their expectations.  They were looking for a might political and military leader who would become a conquering king, yet He was born into a peasant family in a stable and almost in secret.

Luke mentions that only a few Israelites recognized that Jesus was the Messiah.  He mentions Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and then Anna.  Everything in Scripture about Anna is found in three verses – Luke 2.36-38.  She is never mentioned anywhere else in the bible.  According to Luke, Anna is probably around the age of 105.  It seems, she lived as a widow for 84 years. These three verses are enough to establish her reputation as genuinely extraordinary woman.

Read: Luke 2.36-38

Luke says in an instant Anna happened by and immediately understood what was going on and who Jesus was – the Christ.  It is likely she overhead Simeon’s blessing.  Anna stopped and took notice when she heard the joyous blessing he pronounced on Jesus (Luke 2.28-32).  Anna’s longing to see the Messiah was suddenly and surprisingly fulfilled one day as she went about her normal routine in the temple.  She was blessed by God to be one of a handful of key witnesses who knew and understood the significance of Jesus’ birth.  And she made no attempt to keep it secret.  She became of the of the first and most enduring witnesses of Christ.  If you ever want a picture of true devotion and godliness, look at Anna.

This season of Advent has been a season of waiting, longing and expectation. Just as Anna had Christ come near to hear in the temple may we draw near to Christ this Christmas.  Just as Anna had the waiting, longing and expectation of her heart met in Christ may we do so as well.  Let us give thanks to God for his indescribable gift (Luke 2.38; 2 Corinthians 9:15) and tell others about God’s gift of redemption just like Anna.