Abbey Christmas: Longsuffering Week 4 Day 6

Day 6: Longsuffering in Mourning - Anna’s Deliverance

Text: Luke 2: 31-38

Simeon and Anna, both prayer warriors and faithful, long-term servants of the Lord, are blessed to be the first witnesses of Jesus as a baby presented in Jerusalem.

Simeon’s account is focused on the present. We learn very little about his life, as scripture tells us only that he was a good man who served in the Temple.  The Holy Spirit had promised him that he would get to see the Messiah before He died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple at exactly the moment Mary and Joseph brought Jesus in.  We get many details of his embrace of that beautiful baby; we read the words of his prayer and his prophecy to Jesus’ parents. We step into Simeon’s praise and understand his excitement; he received his promise and that’s the end of his story.

In contrast, Anna’s account is focused on the past and looks to the future.  It seems like she only got to see Jesus on this day from a distance. We don’t hear about any direct interaction, but in three dedicated verses, we learn a lot about Anna’s life journey.  She was from Asher, one of the lost, scattered tribes. Her father’s name was, Phanuel, which is translated “Face of God.” She was an old woman. She was married for seven years; then she had been a widow for over 60 years, until she was 84.  She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping, praying, and fasting day and night.  

From the facts of her background, we can assume that Anna was well acquainted with long-suffering.  She knew grief. She knew what it was to feel lost and to mourn the loss of someone she loved. She knew what it was to experience lack and loneliness.  She knew hunger, and in the death of her husband, may have questioned where her next meal was coming from or how she was going to be provided for. There were plenty of reasons for her to avoid the Temple, to avoid people and to turn away from God.  Instead, she pursued Him. She would have learned to look for the Face of God in her father, and she recognized it as soon as she saw it in baby Jesus. Unlike Simeon, Anna isn’t satisfied with just seeing the Messiah. She isn’t ready to die; she has more to give.  She chooses to use the rest of her days sharing the good news of Jesus’ arrival.

Reflection

Morning Pause:  Have you lived through a season of grief or sorrow? Has it drawn you closer to God, or do you find yourself disconnected from Him?  Pause to consider allowing the Lord to be the object of your affection and pray for the restoration of joy.

Afternoon Pause:  Anna had regular rhythms connected to worship, prayer, and fasting.  This season, do you feel in-rhythm or out-of rhythm? How can you be more in-sync with the Lord and aware of His presence?

Evening Pause:  Pray for others who may be experiencing grief or loneliness, especially during Advent/Christmas/New Year’s celebrations.  Ask God to show His face to them in such a significant way that they know they aren’t alone, or forgotten.