Anna, the prophetess.... a widow for eighty years never left the Temple but worshipped there night and day....at the very moment that Simeon was praying ( for the infant Jesus) Anna showed up and broke into an anthem of praise to God and talked about the child (Jesus) to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem. ( Luke 2:36 - 38 The Answer.)
If doting grandparents and cooing aunts and uncles welcomed the infant Jesus we are not told about it. In fact it would seem that Jesus was welcomed by outcasts (the shepherds) foreigners who were not Jewish ( the wise men) and the lowly animals. The infant Jesus was welcomed and recognized in unexpected ways, by unexpected people like Anna and Simeon.
One might think that Anna would be ready to retire. Leave the Temple duties to others whose hands are not bent with work or whose knees bent with greater ease. Not our Anna. Anna served and was rewarded. Once she saw her Redeemer she knew Him! She had waited expectantly for Him all her life. She wasted not a second but raised her voice in thanks to God Almighty and began telling everyone all about the infant Jesus!
Whether we are young or old there is always ministry waiting for the sensitive person. Even if our hair is gray and our knees are arthritic there still remains a vital and important responsibility for us. We have the responsibility and ability to help shape the generations that follow ours.
Lord, keep our hearts open to Your arrival in our lives. Keep us expectantly looking for You in the everyday activities of our lives and most of all keep words of praise and thanksgiving always on our tongues for all to hear of Your wonderful works. Amen
