She spake of him

Read

³⁶ And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; ³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. ³⁸ And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. ³⁹ And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Reflect

Anna, 'a widow of about fourscore and four years', has served God in the temple 'with fastings and prayers night and day.' When she sees the child she gives thanks and speaks of him to all who are waiting for redemption; on the last day of the year, her long faithfulness is a good place to look back.

Pray

Faithful God, thank you for carrying me through this year. Give me Anna's patience in prayer and her gladness to speak of Jesus in the year ahead. Amen.