The answer is: 84

Luke 2:37

Anna the prophetess is a delightful figure in the Gospel of Luke, and her age of 84 adds depth to her story. Imagine being almost four generations through life and still actively serving in your faith—it speaks volumes about her dedication! Anna's life spanned many ups and downs, yet she remained steadfast. After being widowed for many years, she took it upon herself to spend her days in the temple, worshiping and praying—talk about devotion.

When she encountered the baby Jesus, it's said that she talked about him to everyone in Jerusalem who was looking forward to redemption. This encounter is reminiscent of the many stories throughout the Bible where women play significant roles despite societal limitations. For instance, think of Hannah, who, like Anna, had her own prayerful perseverance recognized in the temple.

Fun fact: Anna is one of the few women mentioned by name in the New Testament among the followers of Jesus, emphasizing the early church's recognition of strong women! Her presence during the Presentation of Jesus highlights how essential women were in God's salvation story. In wider texts, Anna echoes Deborah and Miriam—each a beacon of faith in their historical contexts, embodying leadership and prophetic insight.

What a gift this regal grandmother figure brings, gently reminding us that wisdom doesn't diminish with age but can be a crown—a source of strength, support, and inspiration in relationships with the Divine! 🕊️