Anna - The Waiting Widow of Christmas

Introduction

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Only three verses are given to Anna. However, it doesn’t mean that her life was insignificant. As a matter of fact Anna serves as a very important person in the unfolding plan of redemption and the Holy Spirit reminds us that the aged are not ever forgotten. God used Anna in a mighty way. If we would meditate on her life I truly believe her life should serve as an example of how we may live for God no matter our circumstances.

The Holy Spirit points out the fact that Anna was a prophetess. This information reveals to us that the Spirit of prophecy had now begun to revive, which had ceased in Israel for right at 400 years. Also, you must understand that being a prophetess doesn’t mean Anna was given new prophecy as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. It may simply mean that she was one who had understanding in the Scriptures above other women, and she made it her business to instruct younger women in the things of God.

Anna’s name is the same as Hannah Samuel’s mother. The name means “grace, & favored.” The name also carries with it the meaning of “one who gives.” In this name we find great truth concerning the subject of faithfulness to God. The Holy Spirit has devoted three verses of Scripture to teach us a lesson on the one whose name is “Anna - the one who by God’s grace and favor was the one who gave herself to His service!”

Anna was a woman of special service - Anna was loved by the Lord and she was used in a special ministry. Her heart was completely devoted to the Lord’s service and God the Father rewarded her with opportunity to see her Saviour the Son of God in the flesh.

Anna was a woman of selected service - Only Anna could perform this service for the Lord. God the Father had placed her in this ministry for this purpose.

Anna was a woman of sustaining service - Anna is a picture of longevity concerning the ministry and staying faithful to the Lord in difficult days. Anna is a living example of a saint of God living by faith.

Anna was a woman of sacrificial service - Anna gave her entire life and all she possessed to the service of the Lord and the Lord’s house.

Anna was a woman of satisfied service - Anna’s life ended in satisfaction knowing that she finished well and she had been faithful to the One who was faithful and loved her.