Waiting her Whole Life

Do you remember the excitement of Christmas when you were a child? There is nothing like ripping off wrapping paper to reveal that toy you just had to have. I had my share of toys when I was a child, many of them coming at Christmas. But I am sorry to say I did not always take care of them like I should have. You know the doll that was called “crazy” because she was played with too hard? I had one of those. I guess when you have plenty, you don’t always appreciate it.

But what about when you wait for something for a really long time? That’s what the main character in today’s passage did. The majority of Anna’s life was spent in quiet service to God. Though we aren’t specifically told she was spending all that time waiting on the Messiah, she certainly knew who he was when she finally met him. Though this child was not hers and she only saw him briefly, she knew that this was truly the greatest gift ever given. I imagine that Anna, similar to Simeon in Luke 2:25-35, felt as though her life’s mission had finally been fulfilled.

The more Christmases I celebrate, the more I realize that the best gifts are not the kind you can wrap and put under the tree. They are those rare kinds of gifts that last forever. I don’t ever want to treat Jesus, the greatest gift ever given, like last year’s Christmas toy. Like this prophet from long ago, I want to honor and treasure the King of Kings. He is truly the one worth celebrating.

Dear Father, thank you so much for giving us the greatest gift. Thank you for examples like Anna, of those who committed their lives to his service. Help us to celebrate him always and remember that what he has for us is worth waiting for. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Throughout this Day: What are some examples of a gift that lasts forever? A memory made? A promise kept? A soul brought to Jesus? What can you do to give a gift like that today?

Here is a song about Anna from the Bible:
Anna's Song - Official Lyric Video | The Vine Worship