***
“There was a prophetess, Anna…who never left the temple” (Luke 2:36-40).
***
This is one of the only passages in the entire bible where a female prophetess is mentioned.
In this case, it’s the prophetess, Anna, an 84-year-old widow, who spends her days in the temple praying to God.
Like many in Israel, Anna believed that God would visit his people – it’s the most important promise the Lord makes in the Old Testament. They just didn’t know when he would do it.
Today, in her elderly years, Anna sees this promise answered.
Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.
***
Though we may not be physically frail – or in our 80’s – like the prophetess Anna, how many of us have become spiritually frail, tired of waiting for the Lord to act?
***
Anna waited her whole life for God to answer her deepest desire. And notice where he answers it – in the temple.
The same will be true for us.
If we want God to act in our lives, the best place be is right here in church.