Patiently waiting

As we continue in our journey with the Jesse Tree series, we come to Anna, an elderly widow. Widowed after seven years of marriage, Anna was then 84 years old, and was always worshipping, fasting and praying. She was also waiting; waiting for the time of redemption of Jerusalem. Then she saw the baby Jesus, and knew that time was now. All those years of service, of teaching, of ministering day and night, were being fulfilled right now.

We also get to meet another older person, Simeon. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (which often meant he was considered a prophet); he, too, was waiting for the ‘consolation of Israel’ – another phrase for the coming of the Messiah. Then he met the baby Jesus, and was filled with joy, and prophesied.

Finally, we see the reaction of Joseph and Mary. Their news was no longer just their news, it was being shared more and more and more.

This Christmas, I pray that we may all be filled with the same joy that filled Anna and Simeon.

God bless and Merry Christmas!

Only Jesus,
Dony

Featured image:  Simeon's Song of Praise, Aert de Gelder, circa 1700