Anna . . . began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. —Luke 2:36, 38
Anna was an elderly widow who was present in the temple when Mary and Joseph showed up with Jesus. She was both a worshiper of and a witness for the Savior.
Worshiper. She loved Him so much that even though her own marriage ended with her husband’s death only seven years into their relationship, she’d purposed to give herself fully to the Lord for the remainder of her life. So, her instant reflex upon realizing the identity of the Christ child was immediate praise.
Witness. Anna, like Simeon, was among what I call “the fellowship of the waiting.” She kept the coal of her heart close to the coals of others whose lives burned for God’s visitation. From the fire set ablaze by their faith and unity, she couldn’t keep to herself the tidings of what God was doing.
I believe these two watchwords are appropriate ones to carry with us into a new year. Life is our great opportunity both to worship and witness.
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The First Songs of Christmas: A 31-Day Advent Devotional: Meditations on Luke 1 & 2 ©2018 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
How could you align your hopes for the new year around these two words—worship and witness?