Advent Devotional: Thursday, December 6

And 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 an husband seven years from her virginity. And she 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 she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

Once we take positive steps to speak to others about the Lord, we are often pleasantly surprised to find that some are already "looking for redemption." Perhaps they have known God at a distance. Perhaps they have heard about Jesus but do not yet realize that He is the way of redemption God has made – that He is willing and able to buy them back to God out of the slave market of sin. Like the people to whom Anna spoke, they need someone with an experience of God through Christ to share the truth of Jesus with them!

God, let us experience a true harvest from among those who have already begun seeking You!