“She (Anna) never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them (Mary and Joseph) at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child [Jesus] to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36–38
Lord Jesus, by the calendar of your incarnation, you were just 8-days-old when Anna met you in the temple. Worshipping and waiting for decades, Anna longed for your arrival and the salvation you would bring. Her heart was pregnant with hope. That day dawned the evening of your birth. It continued on a 33-year-path straight to your cross, resurrection, and ascension.
By your declaration, “It is finished,” we are guaranteed an eternity of peace, joy, and wholeness. Presently, we live as objects of Abba’s affection, children under his Fatherly sovereignty. Heartache, loss, and pain continue, but they don’t get the last word. You do, Jesus.
The day of your birth was the firstfruits of the Day of your return. That Day won’t be a day of answered questions, but of “all things new”–not just “the redemption of Jerusalem,” but the transformation of the entire cosmos. Seeing you, being with you, becoming fully like you—that’s the hope for which we’ve been redeemed (1 John 3:1-3). This hope is 10,000 times more certain than our fears are worthy of one sleepless night.
Until then Jesus, may the Gospel free us to worship, trust, love, and hope like Anna. Grant us grace in 2022 to accept our Father’s ways, will, and timetable for everything. So very Amen we pray, in your most wonderful and merciful name.