248.Story of Anna with Deborah Johnson

Women at Halftime

This is a BONUS episode that includes the story and song around Anna, the Prophetess, written about in Luke 2:36-38 who waited her whole life to see the Christ Child.

I heard something astonishing today as I was speaking with one of our women who was diligently fetching water from the large jugs. She was filling up some of our soup pots for hot broth for one of our sick families. There's talk among the young shepherds about a baby born in Bethlehem a little over a month ago named Jesus, journeying to our temple. I tried to glean more details but they all hurried off as they anticipated their arrival any moment now.

Could this be the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life? I’ve been speaking about him endlessly to anyone who would listen, yet in my heart, I harbored doubts about witnessing the One I’ve been waiting for would actually appear. After all, I’m now a very old woman and so many years have passed since I received the prophecy of seeing the chosen Christ child in my lifetime. Can this really be true? My eyesight is so poor. How could I even recognize the child as the true one who was promised if he even appeared in front of me?

I thought I’d be younger when this moment arrived. I was widowed after only seven years of marriage and devoted my life to the temple ever since then. I have worked day and night. Being here has sustained me, offering plenty to eat and freedom to worship. When I heard God’s voice promising that I would see the Christ-child, I initially questioned if I was just hearing things. But it was undeniable, so convincing, incredibly real. I feel like a nobody, even though I’m called a prophetess. Our religious leaders dismiss me all the time. In fact, they hardly look at me, and when they do, it’s with contempt. They are always in a hurry when I pass by. I know I’m a woman, but I've never stopped praying, not since that divine assurance.

I believe this child is the long-awaited one, foretold to bring redemption to our people and our world, as prophesied in Isaiah. I've devoted my life to fasting and ceaseless prayers here at the temple as I have no children. It was a worthy choice. I can hear them approaching now. Oh, dear God, thank you for opening my eyes to witness this wondrous moment!

I can see him! I can see him! I know this is Him. His mother looks so young. I can’t imagine how surprised she must have been to have a child. Can everyone hear me? Can anyone hear me? This is Him! I know it! He is the Christ child that was promised so long ago and now fulfills the prophesy! He is the Christ child I've prayed for, believed in for years and years!

My eyes might fail, but I see Him, radiant in all His glory—both now and in the future that awaits Him. This child was sent here to accomplish what no one else could, to redeem and save all who will accept and believe.

Now I can rest, finally, knowing that God's promise has not only been fulfilled for the world but for me.

Story, lyrics & music written & performed by Deborah Johnson • Sheet music & accompaniment track available here: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/explore?q=Anna%27s+Song+Deborah+Johnson&lang=default