The Prophetess

Luke 2:36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna was a prophetess; her job was to proclaim truth.  She had been doing that faithfully for years, day in and day out.  She was not an arrogant, boisterous woman; she humble and devout, depending on God to provide her needs and to speak through her.  She was always ready to have God use her and speak through her, so she was ready and waiting to give the announcement that the Redeemer had come.  It's interesting to see the varied responses of people here in Luke's Gospel, from Mary's "pondering in her heart" to Anna's proclaiming it to all.  What has your response been this year to the news of Christ's coming? has it been one of joy and thanksgiving?  Has it been something you've pondered and shared, or simply ignored?