ANNA - Day 1

ANNA -  Her name means "Grace"

Scripture:  Luke 2:2-38

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 in Jerusalem.

Story : We begin when Anna is 84 years old.  She was married for only 7 years and then became a widow.  She spends her time fasting and praying in the temple night and day.  She was a prophetess and was grateful to be allowed to enter the Women's Court. This made her closer to the Holy Place, where only men were allowed.  She bowed her head and prayed earnestly.

Joseph and Mary had brought baby Jesus to the temple to be presented 40 days after his birth. Simeon had been told that he would not die until he had seen Christ.  He took the child in his arms 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 before the face of all people;
 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Anna heard these words and knew that he was speaking about the new child of God.  She gave thanks to the Lord for allowing her to hear and see this special occasion.