Becoming a mother, raising a family, growing old with my husband…so many dreams were buried on the day he died.

But the living must live. So I asked, “what now young widow?” and my heart led me to the Temple.

The Presence within these cold walls comforts my grieving spirit. The Presence sings in my soul. (God sings love songs, you know.)

For decades I have spent each moment with the One who made each moment. Day and night I simply worship and pray for the fulfillment of God’s will among us.

As I pray, I watch. And as I watch, I see. Some call me a Seer, a prophetess. But then others call me, well, other things…God calls me daughter and that is enough.

Walk with me, young friend. Careful now, as we enter the temple courts. Watch for the elders. Watch for the worshipers. Watch for—

Watch for the Child?

Could it be?

Simeon’s Song of Praise (also showing Anna) by Aert de Gelder, around 1700–1710.

Over there, do you see, a child is being presented to the Lord. But not a child, the Child. My spirit confirms that it is so. My God, Your Child has come!

The Spirit of the Living God is upon him for He will redeem the people from their sins. This Child is the Deliverer. Here is the Messiah. Almighty God has remembered His people!

My friend, what a day you have chosen to visit old Anna! Can you see Him now? Let me take your hand, together we will touch him.

There, caress his soft cheek.

Feel his strong heartbeat.

And know that God is near.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, 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. Luke 2.21-22, 36-38

(This devotional originally appeared in my book, Sitting in His Sunshine, Resting in His Love, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005.)