In Luke 2:37 I read, “[Anna] did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.” (CSB)
When Anna’s circumstances would have made it easy to do otherwise, she chose to focus on God’s presence and to tell everyone she could about Jesus.
Anna had been a widow for 84 years. The love of her life had died when Anna was still very young. This wasn’t what she had planned for herself. Disappointment could have made her bitter. But the Bible gives us a different picture. Luke 2:37 says, “[Anna] did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers” (CSB).
When Anna’s husband died, she could have chosen to let her love die too. Instead, she wisely redirected her love to God. She spent her days and nights focusing on his presence instead of her disappointment.
If you haven’t yet, one day I may find someone I want to love is no longer there. What do I do with my love in those circumstances? If I’m wise, I’ll focus on God’s presence and redirect my love.
I’ve seen many couples make this decision when they’re longing for a baby but can’t have one. I’ve seen them adopt or become foster parents. They’ve taken their love and redirected it. They’ve focused on God’s presence by giving his love to one of the many children in the world in need of it.
Anna also made a second wise decision when her husband was no longer there for her to love. After spending years in God’s presence at the temple, she finally met Jesus, and immediately began spreading the Good News about him.
When Jesus was eight days old, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple, and Anna was there. The Bible says: “At that time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free” (Luke 2:38 CEV).
From the moment she met Jesus, she started telling other people about him. The Bible says, “He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30 NKJV). Anna was wise because she chose to tell other people about the Good News of Jesus’ arrival.
During this Christmas season, I can make that same decision. People around me likely will be more open to spiritual truth than at any other time of the year. No matter what disappointments I’ve faced this year, choose to be like Anna. Refocus my love on God and tell people about Jesus. That’s a wise decision.
In summary, serve God night and day with fasting and prayers. When Anna’s circumstances would have made it easy to do otherwise, she chose to focus on God’s presence and to tell everyone she could about Jesus. Disappointment could have made her bitter, however when Anna’s husband died, she could have chosen to let her love die too. Instead, she wisely redirected her love to God. She spent her days and nights focusing on his presence instead of her disappointment. One day I may find someone I want to love is no longer there. What do I do with my love in that circumstance? If I’m wise, Like Anna, I’ll focus on God’s presence and redirect my love. Anna was wise because she chose to tell other people about the Good News of Jesus’ arrival. I can make that same decision. No matter what disappointments I’ve faced this year, choose to be like her and refocus my love on God and tell people about Jesus. That’s a wise decision.
“Father, in the middle of a strange Christmas season at the end of a long, difficult year, I thank you for the greatest gift of all, your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for sending him to pay for my sins. Thank you for your promise of eternal life to those who accept this gift. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with faith to trust in your promises like the three wise women of Christmas, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, have taught me. Help me to choose to trust your plan instead of being bitter. Help me to believe your Word instead of my fears. Help me to focus on your presence, not my disappointment, and talk to everyone about Jesus. Father, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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