Anna – She was was a women of expectant faith and the first to proclaim Christ. She was a humble, serious, gentle elderly woman but young in hope. She had a strong spiritual belief and was known as a prophetess and is mentioned in the Bible along with other great women: Miriam, Deborah and Huldah. She was married for 7 years but never had any children, she spent most of her adult years in the Temple possibly as a deaconess or Sister of Charity.

Did you know? Anna belonged to a godly remnant of the ancient tribe of Asher and was the daughter of Phanuel. She believed in and listened to the reading of the scrolls and waited intently for the prophecies to be revealed, longing for the coming Messiah.

Finally she saw Him with her own eyes when as an infant when Mary came to the holy city on Mount Zion Temple from Bethlehem for purification, 40 days after his birth. It says in Luke 2:29-36, when Simon lifted Jesus above his head Anna saw an inspiration that also animated the priest and His parents. Turning to the worshipers, she proclaimed that this was the promised Messiah, the Hope of Israel, the Redeemer of the world! Can you hear it? How exciting that would have been to see and hear.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for all you have done for us, for giving us hope! You are Lord, Hallelujah!