Luke 2:36-38 KJV
36 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;
37 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.
38 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.

Anna, had not depart from the temple but served there since her husband's death. It perhaps was one way of taking care of the elders, or perhaps it was a career move of sorts, to attend to the things in the temple as well as fasting and praying. This Christmas as been unusual year with the cold weather, and no one moving about. I usually have seen the Christmas lights, but have not gone to see them, and I only few more days before people turn them off and the city shut down the Christmas light project. All these things are for the eye of beholder, and the things of this world is for the beholder of who purchases and receives of the talent of minds who created many things to enjoy. Yet in old age, we find out how much the things around us in truth have no value. Despite the entertainment of bobbles and gadgets, we soon learn they last not to long. In old age, the real value comes with people. I think on this character Anna, she sacrifice probably most of her earthly treasures to serve in the Temple and to live in the woman's quarters. She given up her home that she had with her huband I suspect.

How many have had to give up something of value to move on in life and yet wanted to cling a little longer to material object, though it only perhaps had value to you. Even giving it to someone or selling it to someone you know would treasure it, makes no difference in the true feelings of the moment or does change the emotion experience of having to give up something. Storms, flooding, tornadoes is much the same impact but the destruction perhaps makes it easier to get rid of something destroyed. Something about faith it can be treasurer and held onto if nothing but at the heart. Anna took her faith to the temple, where she fast and prayed continually. When she came into the temple and seen Jesus she gave thanks to the Lord and spake of him to all them that looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.

I do not know how many years Anna lived, or whether she seen Christ ministry when he turn 33, but she knew that the redeemption of Israel rested in this tiny new born king. The one thing she treasure and held dear was the hope of the Savior and to seeing her Savior. We do know for a fact Anna gave up much, but we know that what was sacred was held in her heart. Despite what twist and turns in life brings, even into old age nursing home, God's salvation plan is what we have to hold onto if we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Most want to hold there family long time, but how long a person mourns over someone maybe a life time. Yet the Savior lives with in the heart because he is alive with in us by His Spirit. His reality will never change once received. We have memories of love one long after they gone, but only the hope of being with them if they carry our hope as well.

Anna told everyone she came in contact about Jesus. Everyone she seen in the temple. How many understood, I do not know, but the voice of the widow was heard. Think about this Christmas and look around what can you take with you to your graveside, but the love ones left behind, and you are with your Savior.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing we take your Son with us and your Spirit everywhere we go upon our salvation, You see all our flaws but love us, and you see the joy we have sharing the most precious person in our life which is you. Help others to share our joy of our Savior. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Matthew 6:20-21 KJV
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.