Luke 2:36-39

Luke 2:36-39

Anna Prophetissa by Cael de Mallery, Antwerp 1566-1628

Anna is the first prophetess mentioned in the New Testament.

Luke 2:36-39  "And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity and as a widow till she was eighty-four.  She did not depart from the temple, worshiping and fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for redemption of Jerusalem.  (Read more about this at website:  http://ncvolunteer.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/anna-the-prophetess ) "What kept Anna from going back to her family and home after the death of her husband.  How did she happen to be there when Jesus the Babe was brought to the temple?  Great reading!

What great strength this woman showed!  Can you imagine losing your husband after only 7 yrs of marriage and then remaining in Jerusalem for the rest of your life because you are waiting for that which was prophesied to be fulfilled?  Amazing!  God is always working in so many lives at once!

Luke 2:39 "And when they had performed according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

Enjoy your Christmas week and remember to light the last Advent candle in white that represents Jesus.  Take time out to meditate on the birth and the joy that it brought as well as sorrow. 

Loneliness:  And remember during this season of joy to share with those that are alone, who have no family left on earth nor anyone to bring them a gift...  Visit a nursing home, or someone who is house bound.  A tin of cookies, even those from a store may really cheer someone's life.  Or buy some ornaments in the $ store and wrap them.  A very little thing can make a huge impact on someone who is lonely.  You will remember their smile the rest of your life and it will be their gift to you.

My husband and I used to do this in the 90's at a campground.  When we realized all the lonely people who would be on a campground for Christmas with no family or gifts, it touched our hearts.  It started out small and the last year we did this, we gave 87 handmade and $ store gifts with a candy cane.  As more and more people were present at Christmas time, we could no longer afford to do this in great numbers but we still surprise neighbors by putting a poinsettia on their porch or a gift of cookies, etc.

Thank you for joining us here and we hope you will come again and often!

♥KERRIE♥

My heart to yours...

LUKE 2:21-35

Be sure to visit Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm for a wonderful message!!  The Link is in the sidebar at your right :-)            

Continuing the Study of what happened to the Holy Family

after Jesus' Birth:  Luke 2:21



SIMEON AND WIFE



Luke 2:21And at the end of eight days when he was to be circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke: 2:22-35  And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord(as it was written in the law of Moses, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory to thy people Israel."  And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him: and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

  It is so hard for us to grasp the significance of what Jesus' birth meant to the people of Israel.  They were waiting and hoping for the Savior and now it was revealed to them that this babe was THE ONE!  How exciting it was and yet fearful at at the same time for the parents of the holy child.  They were taking it all in and realizing that their child was the chosen ONE.  And that along with the joy would come sorrow. 

  Let us rejoice in the Savior's birth for we already know the outcome of his blessed life here on earth and how we were forever changed by this glorious event!!  Thank you Lord for this wonderful gift of Jesus!

    My hubby is off of chemo for Christmas week-Hurray!  May you all be blessed in this holy season of joy and thanksgiving.  Come back soon for more of the Presentation in the Temple and the story of the prophetess, Anna.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours,

♥ Bill and Kerrie