MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
In the familiar Christmas story, the spotlight often falls on shepherds, angels, and wise men. Yet tucked into Luke’s gospel are three verses representing a different kind of faithfulness. At the moment that Simeon was holding the infant Jesus in the Jerusalem temple, an aged woman stepped forward, gave thanks to God, and began telling everyone this was the Child who would bring redemption.
In one short passage (Luke 2:36-38), the author provides a remarkably detailed portrait of another character in the birth story of Jesus. Anna was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. That her father was named suggests that her family was known in Jerusalem.
Anna’s brief appearance in scripture reveals a profound truth: God honors persistent devotion, even when it spans decades of quiet waiting.
Her ancestor Asher was one of Jacob’s twelve sons, borne by his wife Leah’s handmaid Zilpah. The smallest of the tribes in terms of the first census (Numbers chapter 1), Asher’s land lay along the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. During Hezekiah’s reforms, some from the tribe of Asher abandoned their idols, humbled themselves, and joined a great Passover in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:11). Anna’s lineage probably connected her to this faithful remnant; however, it was her devotion to God that earned her place in the story of Jesus.
Even more impactful was Anna’s personal story. She had been married for only seven years before her husband died, leaving her a widow for possibly seventy years. She had spent her life in devotion to God, “...worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day...” in the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:37).
Being a widow in ancient Jewish culture often meant vulnerability and marginalization. Advanced age might have excused her from any kind of service. Living under Roman occupation, with prophetic voices long silent and messianic hope dimmed for many, Anna could have grown bitter. Yet, she chose the opposite path - constant worship, fasting, and prayer. She lived in expectant anticipation, never abandoning hope that God would fulfill His promises.
Luke called her a “prophetess” which in scripture does not primarily mean foretelling the future. The apostle Paul explained later in 1 Corinthians 14:3 that prophecy involves speaking to others for edification, exhortation, and consolation. Anna’s words brought encouragement and comfort, along with persistent urging. Her prophecy was her testimony: when she saw Jesus and His parents, she immediately recognized and announced Him as the promised Redeemer.
“At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Anna became one of the first evangelists of the gospel, proclaiming the Good News with those who shared her longing.
Commentator William Barclay captured Anna’s character: she knew sorrow, but never became bitter; she grew old, but never lost hope; she never ceased to worship in the house of God, and she continued to pray. Her life illustrated faithfulness that is not measured by dramatic moments, but by steady, day-after-day routine and devotion.
Anna’s story pairs well with that of Simeon. Both were elderly. Both had waited long for the Messiah. Both were led by the Spirit that day and recognized Jesus in an ordinary temple visit. The actions and words of both helped confirm to Joseph and Mary the truth of their Son and His mission on earth. Together they represent the believing remnant, those who, despite hardship and delay, stay close to God and are ready when He acts.
The one striking difference is that Simeon said he could depart in peace, his life’s longing fulfilled, while Anna could not stay silent. She turned her recognition into mission, speaking of the Child to others.
In our culture which prizes youth, productivity, and instant results, Anna challenges modern assumptions. Old age, loss, and long seasons of waiting do not preclude anyone from significant service. Her example encourages us that God sees the quiet hours of prayer, the fasts offered in secret, and hope maintained against all odds. God chooses the willing, the humble, and the persistent to announce His greatest gift. Shepherds received the angels’ announcement; wise men followed the star; and in the temple, an elderly prophetess identified the baby Jesus as the promised Messiah. Her message was simple but urgent: the Redeemer has come. For those still seeking, He is worth the wait. For those who’ve found Him, He is worth sharing.
As Christmas fades and a new year begins today, Anna’s witness lingers. Many people today still wait—for healing, reconciliation, purpose, or simply for a clearer sense of God’s presence. Anna reminds us that those times are not wasted.
Devotion sustained her spirit and sharpened her insight. When the moment came, she was ready to see, to give thanks, and to tell the good news.
