December 2013

“And she (Anna) coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”  Luke 2:38

In spite of a lifetime of great affliction, she had determined to keep her heart on things above and dedicated herself to the service of her Maker. Anna longingly awaited the Consolation of her people, the Messiah, as she clung to the promised blessings Moses had conveyed to her tribe, the assurances of sufficient strength and the refuge of the everlasting arms of her God. Her motto was never, “While there’s life, there’s hope,” but rather “While there’s Hope, there’s life.” That promised Hope kept her diligent, joyful, obedient to her calling and more interested in those around her than in herself. The arrival of the Promised One was the highlight of her life. It motivated her to set aside her work as prophetess and take on the task of announcing the Good News to the world.

May we follow Anna’s example as we too look “for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us…” Titus 2:13, 14a

With our world in a perpetual state of insecurity, each New Year reminds us that the source of our hope does not rest in earthly institutions but in the Promised One who will one day make all things new. How blessed I am with a growing family to love as we prepare together awaiting that day. Along with Anna of old, this year may we remember to give thanks unto the Lord and speak of Him to all them that look for redemption.