The Beautiful Heart

When we sit and ponder deeply on the hearts of characters in the telling of the First Advent, we come up with the discovery that many of the people, were people with beautiful hearts. However, the person on whom we shall focus is Anna, a woman not often referred to or known, as an integral part of the Advent Narrative. I have quoted the relevant Scripture verses for you.

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at the very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2: 36 – 38.

Although Anna is not usually considered to be a major character at Christmas, still she, in her simple, quiet way, depicts a heart that needs to be exemplified. Who is Anna? She is introduced as a prophet, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. Translated, the name Asher means ‘fortunate’ or ‘happy’. But what makes her a person with a beautiful heart?

I have brought before you three areas of beauty to look at carefully, and seek the same, attitude and commitment as this woman of God. Anna is a human being like you and me, so that it is possible, even in our trials and troubles to have a beautifully beating heart, beautiful unto the Lord God.

Anna’s Surrendered Heart

Anna experienced early widowhood when, after being married for only seven years, her husband died. She who carried the family name of ‘fortunate’ and ‘happy’, could have become a bitter woman and seen this short-lived marriage as a misfortune. She could have gone around with a heavy burden, thinking how unfair life had been to her, walk around in a dour state. But not Anna! She carried no bitterness in her heart. Instead she wholeheartedly dedicated her life to God. For eighty-four years this widow was faithful in the giving of her life to her God. Is not this surrendered heart, a beautiful heart?

Anna’s Prayerful Heart

Anna never left the temple, but worshipped the Lord night and day, fasting and praying to Him. She was contented and happy to worship God and serve Him at the highest levels. Her continuous fasting and praying, was not just for herself, but for Jerusalem her home place. She lived her life in prayer for her country and people. Is not this praying heart, a beautiful heart?

Anna’s Prophesying Heart

Anna, who committed her life to living in the temple, came out at the exact time the Baby Jesus had been brought to the temple for consecration. On seeing the child with His parents, Anna gave thanks to God. This prophetess, then spoke about the role of the coming of this Child, the Advent of Messiah. She prophesied about the Child as the Redeemer and the One who would save His people, to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Is not this prophesying heart, a beautiful heart?

All of us have experienced some form of deep sadness, intense suffering, heart-breaking hurt or severe trouble, which have marred our Christmas celebrations in many and various different ways. Nevertheless, by faith, we do not have to become bitter, withdrawn and even angry about these, holding them to be misfortunes. Faith frees us even, of thinking of ourselves as victims.

Let us surrender our hearts and lives to God, praying always to Him and boldly speaking to all about the Redemption we have in and through Jesus.