King of Kings: An Advent Plan by New Life ChurchSample

As we read about Anna in Scripture today, we quickly see that she doesn’t have the most cheerful story. We see that the author of Luke has taken time to explain that she was a widow with a lonely life in many respects. Yet Anna is one of only a few people who recognizes the newborn King firsthand! The key to Anna’s part in this story is her proximity. Anna chose to dwell in the house of the Lord, worshiping day and night. It is her devotion to the house of God that allows her to be among the first to know of the Savior’s arrival. When we focus our lives around staying in the presence of God and glorifying Him, we can trust that He will draw near to us as well. 

Anna doesn’t keep her joy over the Savior’s birth to herself. She found those who were also waiting expectantly for Jesus and told them the good news. Our story may not look how we thought it might, but we’re all invited into the greater story of God’s love and can rejoice in that! Let’s remember that our hope is not only our own, but that Jesus came for all. 

Application: The heart of the church is to reach the "one."  You were once that “one” someone brought to church, the one who encountered the presence of Jesus for the first time.  Who can you bring with you to church this week to celebrate Jesus? Write down the names of three people you want to come, pray over those names, and invite them to a service with you.