It was busy at the Temple that day, but then, it was usually busy at the Temple!  Sacrifices were brought throughout the day as well as offerings and priests who came and went according to their duties.  Anna entered the Beautiful Gate that morning with the throngs who had come to offer sacrifices and seek forgiveness.  Others had come for offerings and dedications.  She took up her usual spot within the Court of Women which was her daily routine since the death of her husband so many years ago.  A couple passed by her; the woman carrying an infant and the man with two doves indicating their lowly status.  They were virtually unnoticeable among the crowd of worshippers, but suddenly a man stepped forward, took the child in his arms and began to speak in excited tones.  The Lord quickened Anna’s heart and she quickly made her way to them.
              There is not much that we know about Jesus’ childhood after His birth in Bethlehem.  But of the few short vignettes that we do have, some significant details add to our understanding of His mission and purpose.  Luke 2:32-38 is one of those passages and while we could feature the more prominent role of Simeon and his proclamation over the Christ-child, this week we’ll look more closely at Anna the prophetess whom Luke records came “at that very moment” when Simeon made his stunning announcement.  Anna is not the only woman in Scripture who bore the title of prophetess (Ex. 15:20-21; Jud. 4:4; 2 Ki. 22:14-16; Neh. 6:14; Ac. 21:8-9).  All prophets are given the task of speaking forth the word of God (unlike our modern and somewhat incorrect perception that prophecy is telling what will happen in the future).  As demonstrated in the preceding passages these women brought messages of victory, judgment, and comfort like their male counterparts.  It is not surprising then that Anna would respond to things Simeon had to say.
            Scripture is never flat or bland.  It is rich with detail and meaning and this passage could appear to be a simple story about the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple for dedication, a closer look at some of the details mentioned proves it’s more than that.  Anna’s name and heritage is a case in point.  Why mention these details at all?  It is Simeon’s words that are recorded and all we know is that she reacted to them.  It is first noted that Anna is from the tribe of Asher.  The tribe of Asher occupied a northern territory in Israel so it is unusual that she has remained in Jerusalem rather than returning to her relatives.  Asher means “fortunate” (we might say blessed).  Scripture does not say much about this tribe but two passages are significant: Gen. 49:20 and Dt. 33:24-25.  Both passages tell us that the tribe of Asher would receive blessings from God.  The second detail of note is the meaning of Anna’s name. 
Anna is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Hannah which means “grace”.  Anna also is noted as being the daughter of Phanuel which means “the appearance or the face of God”.  She bears some similarities to another well-known Hannah (1 Sam. 1) through prayer, fasting and her devotion to the Lord.  Simeon’s name is based on the verb “to hear”.  Thus putting all these meanings together one can see/read a great message: By God’s good fortune and grace, Anna both hears of God’s salvation and sees the face or appearance of God in the flesh- that is Jesus the Messiah, God’s redemption of Israel.
            Luke’s emphatic statement that Anna came along “at that very moment” is also important.  Luke is underscoring the idea that God had orchestrated the events so that Anna was there at THAT time.  In other words, this was no coincidence; she was meant to hear Simeon’s message.  Luke makes note of Anna’s age and the length of her widowhood.  Simply put, Anna had been coming to the Temple for a LONG time!  In our fast-food, instant gratification, buy on credit so you can get it now world, the length of time Anna has been serving God is as close to eternity as one can get.  But Anna’s life and testimony has some wonderful principles to teach us if we’re willing to accept them.  First, we often attribute things which happen in our lives to coincidence.  But many times they are put there by God and we do not recognize He is at work in us (Phil. 2:12-13).  Secondly, sometimes waiting can seem to take a lifetime, but God always fulfills His promises.  If we must wait, we wait with the assurance that in His time God will do something (Rom. 8:28; Gal. 4:4).  And lastly, when we see God at work it is our job to tell others what we have seen (1 Jn. 1:1-5).  This is particularly true of our salvation!  As we head into 2018 let’s apply the example of Anna to the way we live this year each and every day.   Let’s keep our ears and eyes attuned to what the Lord is doing and then tell everyone about what we have seen and heard for it is what Jesus has commanded us to do (Mt. 28:18-20).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 12/31/2017

            The commercial has soft music playing in the background.  The pictures which parade across the screen show the transformation of a tidy and pristine house to one with toys scattered across the floor.  The sounds of a mother laughing and cooing are heard as the camera draws in close on the grasp of an infant's hand around the mother's finger and the announcer proclaims "A baby changes everything". 
            There are many questions expectant families are asked.  When is the baby due?  Do you know if the baby is a boy or a girl?  What are you going to name him/her?    Names are very important, both today and in the Bible.  In Bible times they not only identified the person to whom they belonged; they also portrayed an aspect of that person’s character.  For example, Jacob and Esau both had names that depicted something about them.  Esau’s name (which means red or earth) was given to him because of his hair and outdoorsman character and Jacob’s name (which is derived from the verb which means to grab or take hold of) was given to him because he was born grasping his brother’s heel.  The angel Gabriel informed Mary that the name of the Child to be born to her would be Jesus (Lk. 1:31).  Although they look and sound different in English, Jesus, and Joseph are similar in Hebrew.  They are based on the verb "to save" and the most holy name of God, Yahweh.  Matthew notes in his Gospel that this name was given to Jesus because "He will save His people from their sins" (Mt. 1:21).  Jesus' name not only spoke of His nature (Savior), it also speaks of His purpose (One who saves).
            While many people often mutter “Jesus Christ” as an explicative, when it is stated in Scripture it is a combination of both His personal name and the role He came to fulfill.  One of the earliest Christian symbols is the combination of two Greek letters interposed upon one another.  The first letter is X (chi- pronounced kee) and the second, P (rho- pronounced row).  Together they form a sacred monogram of the Greek word Christos, the New Testament word for Messiah.  The names Messiah and Christ both mean “anointed one”.  In the Bible, men were anointed for special roles.  Kings were anointed when they took the throne.  Priests were anointed when they served the Lord.  And prophets were anointed to speak forth God's Word.  But God’s Anointed One had a very special job.  He was God’s Son (Ps. 2).  He would suffer (Ps. 22), but He would also restore the broken relationship between God and man (Is. 49:5-6).  He would lead Israel (Ps. 20), and He would rule over all the earth (Ps. 72).   God's Anointed One also was also given the role of a deliverer (Is. 59:20; Rom. 11:26-27; Gal. 1:3-4) which is why the angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus.  This Child would fulfill the role of the Messiah, not just to the Jewish people, but for the entire world (Lk. 2:25-32; John 3:16-17). 
            There is usually a lot of joy when a child is born into a family.  Everyone makes a claim as to whether the child looks like his/her mother or father, or someone else in the family.  They take note of eye and hair color, the shape of the child's face or their hands and compare them to the relative in question.  Not too many people look at a newborn and declare what profession they will have when they are an adult.  They don't predict the baby will be a doctor or check-out clerk because their aunt or grandfather was one.  Most people don't even think twice about the career that a child will establish for him or herself, although one or two brave people might casually mention a family tradition or talent that could be passed on to the newest member of the family.  However Jesus, by the nature of His name and the events surrounding His birth, was destined to fulfill a role that was determined to be the only way to deliver people from their sins (Gen. 3:15).  This is perhaps the greatest mystery of Christmas; that God Himself became flesh and blood, but not just any flesh and blood.  He became a baby.  And that Baby changed everything.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.                                                                                               
Week of 12/24/2017

            In March of 1979 my father, Sherwood Hamilton, was attending a retreat for church leaders when he received an exciting announcement.  He had become a grandfather!  From that day forward he always had a special place in his heart for his first-born grandchild and “Pop Pop” always had a special place in the heart of my son Erick.  In 2010 I called my father with another special announcement.  “Erick and Becky had a little boy Dad,” I told him, “And they named him Samuel Sherwood.”   I will never forget the sound of my father’s voice repeating that name over and over again with such pride and tenderness.  It meant so much to him (and to me)! 
            To say that when you walk upon the land of Israel you are walking across history would be simplifying the fact that every time your foot touches the earth there you are standing upon centuries of events and places dear to Scripture and faith.  I know because I’ve been there!  One of those powerful places is Nazareth whose initial occupancy date is unknown, but the lovely spring there certainly was the attraction for settlement.  We have the Franciscans to thank for the magnificent Church of the Annunciation which is located closely to the center of modern Nazareth.  While this structure was built in the early 1960’s, extensive excavations carried out during its construction revealed the foundation of an early Byzantine Church and streets from Biblical times.   When services are not in progress, one can wander through the great sanctuary and view “The Grotto of The Annunciation” which may not be the actual spot where Mary encountered Gabriel, but it does inspire one to reflect on that incredible event.
            Advent (the four weeks prior to Christmas) reminds us of several amazing announcements within the Christmas story.  A census is announced for taxation purposes and it propels Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem where prophecy is fulfilled when Christ is born (Mic. 5:2; Lk. 2:1-5). Angels announce to shepherds the birth of a Savior (Lk. 2:8-15) and a star announces to Magi that a king has been born which sends them on an international journey to find him (Mt. 2:1-2).  But the first announcement is perhaps the most amazing of all.  Imagine Gabriel’s thoughts as he approaches a young woman in her early teens to proclaim she is to be the mother of God’s Chosen One (Lk. 1:26-38)!  Gabriel had carried messages to Daniel (Dan. 8:16-27, 9:21-27) one of God’s greatest prophets, and now he is sent to a simple and humble peasant girl, one who appears to be at the completely opposite end of the esteemed spectrum of humanity (Lk. 1:26-27).   Yet Mary’s devotion and faith are equal to that of Daniel’s which is evidenced in her response to this heavenly messenger (Lk. 1:38).
It was no small thing for Mary to accept what God had willed for her.  As a betrothed woman she was legally bound to Joseph and to be found “with child” by someone else carried dire consequences.  The least of these would be public shame; the worst death by stoning.   And yet, once the obvious question has been answered (vs. 34), Mary humbly submits to God’s will.  It all seems so neat and tidy which has made us become so accustomed to hearing this aspect of the Christmas story that we’ve completely forgotten the impact of this announcement.  Or is it that we just do not recognize the significance of the announcement because we have minimized who brought the message?  Have we become so familiar with the promise given to David that we pass over the fact that between David’s time and Mary’s almost 1,000 years has gone by?  Whatever may have caused our disregard, it is time to listen again, to hear the words anew, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name, Jesus” (Lk. 1:31; Matthew’s version ties Jesus’ name to prophecy: Mt. 1:18-25.).
It is so easy to hear the Christmas story every year and become immune to its impact.  But perhaps it is time for us to truly take a deeper look at the questions it raises for us personally.  Consider some of these questions as Christmas draws closer:  What are some of the greatest announcements I have ever received?  Who brought them?  Why were they so significant to me?  Did I have to act in faith after I received it like Mary did?  What other Biblical stories can I recall that emphasize God’s interaction with men/woman of faith?  How does God interact with them?  How do they respond to God?  Has God interacted with me?  How?  In what way have I responded to Him?  Has he found me to have faith like Mary’s?  If so, in what way can I continue to trust Him?  If not, what must I do to grow in my trust and see Him at work in my life?  It is my prayer that when God speaks to me (particularly through the Christmas story) that I respond with faith as Mary did.  How about you?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.     
Week of 12/17/2017

                The workshop echoed with the sounds of chisels and masonry tools.  Another building project for Herod demanded our complete attention.  The other craftsmen and I were thankful for the work.  I was especially thankful for the income for within the year I hoped to celebrate a marriage with my betrothed.   But when her father appeared at the worksite at the closing of the day, I knew there was a problem.   We walked for a while toward Nazareth in silence.  I could tell his news was a heavy burden and I wondered what could be so foreboding that it kept him silent for so long.  When he finally spoke, I wished he had remained silent forever.  Miriam* had been found with child.  A million questions raced through my mind, none of them flattering.  And yet this news made no sense.  There was never a hint of scandal in her upbringing or reputation.  I determined that in spite of my hurt and disappointment that I would call off the wedding without any repercussions toward her family.
                My sleep was troubled that night.  I wrestled with my feelings and affections toward Miriam and battled with my anger and hurt.  I felt as if I was wandering in a land of shadows, murky and void of dreams, when suddenly, I was startled by a vision of the brightest creature I'd ever seen.  I knew immediately it was an angel of the Lord.  Surprisingly, he spoke to me such words of reassurance I did not believe them at first.  Do not be afraid!  The news concerning Miriam was not tragic news but quite the opposite.  This was the handiwork of God and by His power He was about to save His people from their sins.  I knew that tongues would wag as the months progressed.  I knew there would be talk about Miriam; about myself.  But there would always be talk.  It was the prophet's words that mattered most to me now.  "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, God with us." (Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:16-25)
            Many years ago, Michael Card composed and recorded a lullaby entitled Joseph's Song which beautifully portrayed the perspective of Joseph as he gazed upon the Christ Child.  "How could this be?" it began.  Having had two sons of my own and being one of the first people to know they were going to propose to that "special girl", I know how significant this event is in a young man's life.  I can imagine the overwhelming feelings that Joseph must have dealt with after Mary was found with child during the course of his betrothal.  Betrothal at that time was just as binding as marriage and considered just as legal.  To learn that Mary was pregnant was tantamount to discovering she had committed adultery.  Yet, Scripture tells us that Joseph learned the truth about Mary's child by Divine revelation and that he went through with the marriage in spite of the stories that must have been circulated around Nazareth.  Such is the story of how a simple craftsman came to be the earthly father of the King of the Universe.  Beautifully described in Michael Card's song, it was a role that certainly must have both amazed and unnerved him.
            Although we do not hear much about Joseph after Jesus' childhood, we do know that his lineage plays a very important role in the life of Jesus.  Mt. 1:1-17 is an extensive list of Jesus' family tree, tracing His roots all the way back to Abraham.  Perhaps the most significant ancestor of Jesus is one of Jacob's sons, Judah.  Like most of his brothers, Judah did not have a stellar track record in the walk of faith.  Yet, when his father Jacob was on his deathbed he blessed Judah with the promise that "the scepter will not depart from Judah" (Gen. 49:10).  As the nation of Israel grew, the line of Judah emerged as the lineage of kings through the anointing of a young shepherd boy named David.  David's descendants reigned from Jerusalem until 586 B. C.  When the Babylonian Empire conquered the nation it appeared that David's line had come to an end.  But the promises of God, are not to be taken lightly nor for granted.  God's timetable never functions as human ones do.  When He promised David that a "son" of his would reign forever, He was not referring to an earthly reign, but an eternal one (2 Sam. 7:8-16).  Human frailty and death however, preclude immortality.  So, how could a descendant of David have an eternal reign?  Joseph's line has the legitimate claim, but he is finite like the rest of us.  God's solution was that Mary, although from a different branch of David's family tree, is also a descendant of David.  Since there are earthly parents, there is a legal claim to the throne.  But because there is an Eternal Father, there is therefore an eternal Son, a descendant who reigns forever.   Joseph must have have believed that God fulfilled His promises as he followed through with the difficult social implications of a “pregnant fiancée”.  But Joseph held fast to his faith, did what God asked of him and remained committed to Mary.  His actions force us to examine how we respond to God’s commands:  “How do I measure up to Joseph?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.                                                                                                                  12/10/2017
* The name Mary is an English transliteration of the Greek name Marias, which in turn is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Miriam.

Our journey had finally come to an end.  We’d traveled thousands of miles across a vast wilderness and through the rugged Judean hills.  Jerusalem lay before us with its spectacular Temple glistening in the sun, but this was not where we were headed.  We could see the stone houses nestled together below its massive platform and on Jerusalem’s southwestern side lay our destination, the palace of King Herod.  We were ushered in to the main hall with great pomp and circumstance.  The man’s reputation had certainly preceded him, but we had questions that only he or his advisors could answer, so here we were, seeking an audience and hoping we would be leaving with the answers we sought.  After determining the king whose existence the heavenlies had announced was in Bethlehem, we made the short journey to the sleepy little suburb as quickly as possible.  Amazingly, after we found Him, we were warned by a dream that Herod would soon turn on us, so we left immediately taking the alternate route home.
            This brief synopsis of the Wisemens’ journey may be imaginary but it does summarize the events recorded in Mt. 2:1-23.  The Biblical account, in its succinct and direct way, also accurately portrays what history has revealed of Herod’s leadership and the reputation he held in the ancient world.  Herod took on the role of governor in Galilee in 47 B. C. at the age of 25.  By 37 B. C. after murdering several rivals, a wife and two sons, a bloody civil war and using his ability to ingratiate himself with all the right Roman rulers, Herod was appointed kingship.  He did this by demonstrating unfailing loyalty to the interests of Rome. 
            His position was always precarious; not with Rome but with the people he ruled.  Herod was an Idumean, technically a “half-Jew, half Edomite”.  In the eyes of the Jewish people he was unfit to rule because of this lineage.  As a client king of Rome, he also symbolized foreign domination, especially to those who were descendents of the Hasmoneans, the ruling class he had all but eliminated to gain his position.  In an effort to gain support and favor in the eyes of the Jews he had divorced his Idumean wife and married Miramne, woman of Hasmonean royalty, but the plan failed miserably.
            During the years of 25-14 B. C. a time of unmatched prosperity took place in Judea.  During this time Herod made his mark as one the greatest builders in the ancient world.  Ancient Samaria was rebuilt, a harbor port was constructed at Caesarea Maritima, luxury vacation palaces were constructed at Jericho and Masada, and a massive fortress/burial ground was built just outside of Bethlehem for him.  But Herod’s greatest attempt at placating the Jewish people was also his greatest blunder in winning their favor.  He undertook renovation of Zerubbabel’s Temple which was first dedicated in 515 B. C.  Begun in 19 B. C. the project was not completed until 64 A. D., long after Herod’s death in 4 B. C.  Although the general improvements were probably needed, the Roman insignia Herod placed over the door frame which led into the Holy Place and Holy of Holies was offensive to everyone who worshipped there.
            While Herod may have been a talented builder, he was horrible person.  Overly suspicious, ruthless, and paranoid, no one was safe from his murderous hands.  Days before his death he murdered his third son even though he had been designated as Herod’s successor.  One of his most murderous acts was connected to the visit of the Wisemen.  These astronomer/astrologists had come to him for information concerning a king they determined was the reason for the celestial phenomena they’d been tracking through the desert.  When they did not return to tell him where they’d found the “king”, but knowing they’d gone to Bethlehem, he ordered the execution of any male child under the age of two in that area (Mt. 2:16) to protect his legacy.  However, just like the Wisemen who were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, Joseph had also been warned to leave Bethlehem and to take his family to Egypt (Mt. 2:13-15), which he did.
            Herod’s paranoia drove him to do unthinkable things.  He ordered the murder of those innocent children thinking that he could stop something that was ultimately God’s plan (2 Sam. 7:12-16).  Matthew notes that even though Herod intended to eliminate the child, his command actually brought about the fulfillment of Scripture (Mt. 2:14).  During the season of Advent we are reminded that God’s plan will always come to pass.  In the days of Herod the faithful were waiting for the first coming of the Messiah (Is. 9:1-7).  Now we wait for His return (Rom. 8:18-25).  Herod could not thwart God’s plan then, and no one is able to thwart it now.  It’s what we do while we’re waiting that is most important to God (Eph. 5:15-21).
Ann H. LeFevre                                                                                                                   
Week of 12/3/2017