Thanking And Speaking

She gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him.

Luke 2:38

Like it or not, the holiday season is here, with all its frenzy and fun. Now is a good time to decide to be an Anna. This older saint is one of the original characters in the Christmas story—a prophetess, a widow of many years who virtually lived at the temple, awaiting the arrival of the Redeemer. She “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).

Imagine her rapture when Joseph and Mary entered the temple, bearing in their arms the long-awaited Christ child. Somehow God assured her that this was the Messiah. Anna’s reaction gives us a clue about our own attitude during the upcoming holidays: “She gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (v. 38).

Those are our two great obligations as we enjoy the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas: to thank God for Christ, and to speak of Him to others.

When was the last time you devoted more than a few seconds to thanking God for the Lord Jesus? Take some time today, and thank Him for Christ’s life, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, His present intercessory ministry, and His soon return. Then speak of Him to someone else.