Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
This is so inspiring to me. Anna is given a voice in scripture as one who knew the Truth. Granted, it is not as big and loud a voice as that of Simeon, but it is a voice that has not been left out of scripture. Really, that it was included at all says a lot to those who might wonder about the "role of women" in the church. God sent both a man and a woman to this scene to speak the Truth. The more I think about it, the happier it makes me!!!
Holy Lord, you sent your Son into the world at a particular time, in a particular place. You made sure that there were people around who could pave the way. Thank you, Lord, for making it clear that women are part of the story. Amen
Becky, transforming
Jesus’s interactions with women
Wednesday, July 26th, 2022
Luke 2:36-38
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all wht.
All we know of Anna is found in three verses in the New Testament book of Luke. When Anna encounters the infant Jesus in the temple, we see that…
 Luke 2:36–38
Verse 38. She came along, just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
For me, verse 38 is the most important. Like the shepherds, she did not keep this moment to herself. She talked about this child to everyone. She was one who helped spread the word. That is what we should be doing.
Prayer: GraciousGod, may I be like Anna, and spread the good news to everyone. Amen.