Shortly after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary take Him to the Temple according to the Law of Moses. They meet with Simeon and receive his blessing and prophesy. Afterwards, they encounter an old woman who virtually made the Temple her home. Her name was Anna. This poem is dedicated to her and attempts to capture her deepest desires and yearnings for Moshiach (Messiah).
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38, NKJV)
I am an old woman
Drawn, gaunt, waiting for the Dawn[1]
Praying evening and morning for Moshiach (Messiah)
Oh, Bethlehem, city of David
His star hovers above you
Patiently giving its eternal light to the End of Days[2]
Shining and making way for the Deliverer of His people
As the prophet cries in the wilderness, so my cries rise to Him
To come oh come Emmanuel.
I am an old woman
Bent, lowly, waiting for the Dawn
Fasting and praying evening and morning
Till Shabbat[3] arrives for His people at the End of Days
When Moshiach shall appear and save His people from their enemies
The final enemy who swallows dust
Moshiach shall crush his head –
Conquered and defeated forever –
The death of death in the death of Moshiach[4]
Who lives and shall return for His people
As the prophet spoke:
“Only what the LORD speaks can I speak.”[5]
The Ancient of Days has spoken so shall I prophesy also, an old woman
Full of days waiting to be gathered with my people
Waiting for Moshiach
His kingdom come
His will be done
Heaven and earth singing His name:
Moshiach, Moshiach
Bearing gifts to celebrate His coming –
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel
The one who perceives the thoughts of the Most High
The Star of Jacob who shines everlasting light[6]
The light of the world[7]
The darkness cannot comprehend[8]
Hiding as it does cringing in terror when His Star arises
And gives light to everyone coming into the world[9]
As the evening makes way for the Dawn and Shalom comes to His people.
His kingdom comes.
I am an old woman
Eighty-four years a virgin
Betrothed to One
Waiting for the Bridegroom to arrive in His glorious chariot – my oil ready and lamp trimmed –
As it touches the earth and makes all things new[10]
The New Jerusalem, Shabbat Shalom –
The Bridegroom – superior to Melchizedek
The king of the Great City of God.
The Bridegroom will claim His inheritance
With all of His people in final Shalom –
The Ruler who comes out of Jacob
Moshiach, Moshiach.
He tarries for but a moment
Until the dispensation of the fullness of times[11]
A thousand years to us in our yearnings and desires
A twinkling of an eye to Him until the guarantee of our inheritance.[12]
I am an old woman.
I serve my Moshiach
Fasting and praying night and day in the Temple of Moshiach
For His people and for His return to take His people to be with Him –
In the New Jerusalem, the City of the Almighty –
The El Shaddai of our Father Abraham
His people’s Shield and Deliverer.
I am an old woman.
I go now to render service to Moshiach
Fasting and praying evening and morning
Until He comes to take me to my new home.
But wait! Who comes up the steps?
Whose feet make their way through the Temple doors?
I lift my lamp to cast away the shadows.
A woman sings softly to her babe as she cradles Him gently in her arms
And walks quietly through the Temple
With her husband, thoughtful, righteous, beside her
Joyful smiles spread on their faces as the light masters the shadows
And caresses the baby’s face, and the Light shines in the darkness
The Light of the World!
It is He! Moshiach! Moshiach!
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD,
For He is good! For His mercy endures forever!”[13]
He has fulfilled His promise:
The Redemption of Jerusalem![14]
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[1] Luke 1:78
[2] Numbers 24:14
[3] Sabbath rest
[4] This phrase refers to the title of the Puritan writer John Owen’s treatise “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ” in which Owen explains the atonement of Christ.
[5] Numbers 24:13
[6] Numbers 24:16
[7] John 8:12
[8] John 1:5
[9] John 1:9
[10] Revelation 21:5
[11] Ephesians 1:10
[12] Ephesians 1:14
[13] Psalm 118:29
[14] Matthew 2:38
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