Now through the end of December, a chance to re-examine the gifts of Advent, the arrival of a Savior, and the epiphany of Epiphany.
Luke 2:36-38 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Although not the intent of Anna’s story in Luke, I feel undone at the lukewarm faith I live after only three short verses. A woman of loss draws near to God. She never leaves his house, but worships night and day, fasting and praying. No wonder God hears her voice, giving her prophetic words straight from heaven about Jesus, and the redemption he will bring.
Many years later, Jesus teaches that prayer isn’t about meaningless repetition, but meaningful connection. It’s a connection that sustains him, so he doesn’t just teach it, he rises early and seeks out “the lonely places” while others are still sleeping. (Luke 5:16)
Christ’s advent opens the door for a new intimacy between God and humans, which, if we pursue, will make us more like Anna and Jesus: sharing conversations with the King that are so necessary we want to rise early, stay up late, and worship night and day.
Prayer: Giver of good gifts, thank you for prayer, that gift of conversation between the Holy and mere mortals. And thank you for Jesus, who prays for us, night and day!
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