Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
This is so inspiring to me. Anna is given a voice in scripture as one who knew the Truth. Granted, it is not as big and loud a voice as that of Simeon, but it is a voice that has not been left out of scripture. Really, that it was included at all says a lot to those who might wonder about the "role of women" in the church. God sent both a man and a woman to this scene to speak the Truth. The more I think about it, the happier it makes me!!!
Holy Lord, you sent your Son into the world at a particular time, in a particular place. You made sure that there were people around who could pave the way. Thank you, Lord, for making it clear that women are part of the story. Amen
Becky, transforming