The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:36-40, “And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with a husband seven years after her marriage,

37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.

38 And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”

There are indeed difficulties that come with old age. Thoughts don’t always come as quickly, and bodies tire more easily. Still, such disadvantages are compensated by the knowledge of what to do in tyring circumstances and the uplifting memories of joyful things of the past. Anna is mentioned only once in the Scriptures, but she serves well as a model for both men and women in the days that followed her.

She had been married for seven years, and then lived as a widow for 84 years. Allowing that she was married at age 13 (not an unusual marriagable age for a girl in biblical times), she would have been 104 at the time she saw the Christ-Child. Yet, with the years of age upon her, she had not ceased to be active in the service of the LORD. It’s vital for all of us to remain active in the things of the LORD. We cannot do all of the things we once did, but we can pray and love and laugh and witness to the praise of His glory! We have knowledge and wisdom that younger people often lack.

The problems of youth today are staggering! Of course, we had problems in our younger days. There have always been crimes and evil deeds in the minds and hearts of young people. But the advancement of media and electronics seem to have exacerbated the opportunities for crime. Youth today have slipped the reigns of purity, as each generation has increasingly lacked the parental training needed for a clean, productive and fruitful life.

Where are the Annas today? Where are those who live constructively and pray earnestly for children, and grandchildren? They are sorely needed for the rescue of youth from the slippery slopes of life. Where are the mothers and fathers –yes, and grand-parents—who pave the way with spiritual values from their own lives? Such is left for those of us who faithfully await the Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ!

Anna laid out the pattern for Joseph and Mary when she continued to praise the LORD and witness to those around her. Jesus’ parents continued to serve the LORD in the proper rearing of the Child. And He, in turn, grew physically strong and increased in spiritual wisdom, as the grace of the LORD infused His young life.

Isn’t that what all parents should want for their children? “As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.” Come on, you Annas! It’s not too late. But time is swiftly running out.

Lovingly and prayerfully yours,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”