Center for Evangelists

2022 is almost over. Just a few more days to reflect on this past year. Every year has both joy and sorrow. Maybe this year there was a new birth in your family, or you had a promotion on your job or moved into a new house. Think of the joy that you had this past year.
Then there may have been sorrow, a death in the family that has left a huge hole in your heart, or maybe you lost your job or your house is foreclosed.
Contrasts in life is a normal thing for man. The good news is that there is a new year coming that is like a blank canvas. God will bring some blessings and He may allow some sorrow, but it is always exciting to look forward to the new year and know that God will direct our path if we trust Him.
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.

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.