Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, and was very old. She was a widow, for her husband had died when they had been married only seven years.
Probably, after her husbands death, Anna would have been encouraged to get married again and have children. Anna, chose to stay single. She chose to serve the Lord. She chose to fast and pray, worshiping the Lord day and night. She told people the news of the Savior that was coming, no matter how long it might be before he came. She knew her purpose and she didn’t let anyone’s opinions or comments keep her from it. Then Anna saw Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in the temple and knew her purpose had been fulfilled.
Luke 2:36-38 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; 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. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption i
The Christmas story did not end with the birth of Jesus. That was just the beginning. The Bible records little about baby Jesus. We know He was taken to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord when Mary’s time of purification was over as the law of Moses commanded. A sacrifice of a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.
At the time Jesus was born, sheep farmers were seen as low or little value by other people. The sheep that they bred would have probably been used as sacrifice animals in the temple in near-by Jerusalem. They were quietly getting on with their own business when suddenly Angels appeared to them. It is not surprising they were afraid!
Center for Evangelists 
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