A Glorious NightSample

Not much is known about Anna, the “she” this verse refers to. Luke tells us she was a prophetess and that she was from the tribe of Asher. He also tells us that Anna had been a widow for a very long time and that she spent her days and nights in the temple complex, worshiping, fasting, and praying. In that brief biography, we learn that she was a woman devoted to God. She was a prayer warrior and a worshiper.

But then something happened. She saw the newborn Jesus. As Mary and Joseph were walking through the temple with Jesus in tow, Anna recognized the little bundle as the Messiah, the one her heart had been waiting for. We’re not told precisely how she knew who He was, but as a prophetess, God spoke to her. In that moment, she did not doubt that the baby was the Savior. What happened next is striking: Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38, NIV). Experiencing Jesus transformed Anna into an evangelist; it changed everything for her.

The same is true for us. When we meet Jesus, He oftentimes sets our lives on a new course. This Christmas season, be intentional in making time to experience Jesus. Allow Him to give you true hope and joy, shape who you are, and impact your life in ways you may not have imagined.