11th Day of Christmas: The Long Wait
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.
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
—From Luke 2:36–40 (NKJV)
“The world had been in darkness for thousands of years, but life bloomed in the arms of Mary.”
Reflection
The poet Robert Herrick (1591–1674) refers to the infant Christ as the “flower in full bloom,” ( … bear this flower / Unto thy little Saviour; / And tell Him, by that bud now blown, / He is the Rose of Sharon known … ) likely because in the King James translation of Song of Songs 2:1 the speaker says, “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley.” The Song of Songs is sometimes read as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and his Bride, the Church, making the Rose of Sharon a lovely symbol for Christ. The rose is also a symbol of love flowering after a faithful wait, like Anna’s long and faithful wait for her Savior. Interestingly, the flower believed to be the Rose of Sharon has medicinal, healing uses as well. Reflect on Christ as the flower in full bloom and what that might mean for coming spring and seasons of waiting.
Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Wait expectantly with Anna, explore the Jesse Tree symbol of the Rose of Sharon, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about flower bulbs.
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
The Rose of Sharon reminds us of Anna’s faithful wait.
Inspiration
Anna And Jesus
Jerry Bacik. Her long wait rewarded at last.
Music
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming will touch us with its genuineness and beauty. [Play Video]
Consider Anna’s long wait for the Christmas Rose as you enjoy Gesu Bambino. [Play Video]
Prayer
Above all, long-expected Messiah, do come! Your ancient people who despised you once are waiting for you in your second coming, and we, the Gentiles, who knew you not, neither regarded you, we, too, are watching for your advent.... Earth travails for your coming. The whole creation groans in pain together until now. Your own expect you; we are longing till we are weary for your coming. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen and Amen.
Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892)
Resources
Enjoy a ballet and choral version of Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.
Share a printable coloring page of Anna with Jesus.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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