Anna

By Anne E. Curtis

Summary

This is a dramatic and, in parts, humorous talk by Anna, the prophetess who saw Jesus as a baby.  Anna speaks to the crowd about her life and the future of Israel.  It provides a different, Christmas-oriented perspective, and is suitable for the week following Christmas. There is a short original, devotional song in the middle that can be omitted.  The song is not in the Bible but reflects what I believe was Anna's attitude and heart towards God. If you want to know how I sang certain areas, I can provide the notes.

Scriptures

Luke 2:21-40, Deuteronomy 33:24-25, Joshua 19:24-31,  Psalm 27:4, 59:9, Isaiah 42:1-4a

Characters

Anna, an 84 year-old woman.

Script

(ANNA WALKS INTO THE ROOM FROM THE BACK AS THE WORSHIP IS FINISHING.  She greets people as she walks to the front and takes her place.)
I thought I heard something going on in here. I hope you don't mind if I join you. My name is Anna. And You (looking around the room) -- must be visitors.  I don't think I've seen you here before. (Said with all sincerity and slight amusement.) And, I should know,  I am always here.  I've been coming to the temple to pray longer than many of you have been alive!
Let's see, it's over 60 years now. Ever since my husband died. We had 7 years together.  But after he died, I began coming here. And This is where I've been ever since.
My friends used to say to me, "Anna, why don't you go with us to the market?" "Anna, why don't you visit your relatives in Galilee.?" You'd have a nice time..
OR
My favorite, "Anna, why don't you remarry a nice Jewish man?" But by now - they know I will NOT!
And, by now my friends have gone on in their lives without me. I do get to see them in here from time to time though.
They still do not understand how I can spend all my life praying and fasting here in the Temple. I understand where they are because I've been there, but they do not understand me.
I asked them once (gesturing towards outside then inside) 'What is out there, that is greater than what is in here.' They could not answer.
Now, if that King David were alive, he would understand me. When I think of all the Beautiful psalms he wrote about longing for the presence of God.  About seeking the Lord day and night. One of his verses goes like this:
"One thing I ask of the Lord this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in his temple."
(Looks up and away.)
Oh, David, if you only knew, I am doing just that and it is more marvelous than I ever imagined.
(Looks back to the audience.)
Like I said, I've tried to explain myself to my friends but they don't get it. Let me see if I can explain it to you.
You see, I am compelled by my heart to seek the Lord's Presence; compelled, by my desire for God. I can do nothing else.  Only His  Presence satisfies my heart and soul.
(Sings)
O my Strength I watch for you; you, O God 
You are my fortress, my loving God.  (Psalm 59:9)
(Turns back to the audience and excitedly explains)
To think, the One who created the heavens and the earth - spoke them into being - is willing to let me speak to him. To hear from Him. Ask of him.  And in return, I am filled with wonderful things. Things you can't find at the market.  (smile humbly)
I am filled with joy. I am filled with a great peace and a purpose.
When the Spirit of God comes upon me, everything in the world seems of no consequence. All that remains is the God himself.
This is how so many years can go by without regretting how I have spent them. And I have not regretted a single day. In my heart and mind, I always draw near to the Lord. Perhaps you can relate to this.
(Anna moves to the piano to play or someone else can play the music and Anna can just sing.  For a copy of the music please write to the address beloe and I will send it to you. )
MORE THAN ANYTHING I KNOW
MORE THAN ANY PLACE I COULD GO
I WANT TO BE WITH YOU
I WANT TO BE WITH YOU
I WANT TO BE WITH YOU
MORE THAN ANYTHING
(Repeat all then end with last line twice.)
Oh yes, (rises) my friends feel I am missing out - but  it  is  the  other  way around. (Pause.)
I have also stayed here so very long because I am  compelled by the desperate needs of my people.
Growing up, I have seen and experienced living under the oppression of an enemy. The harshness of men who do not fear God. Oh they have lots of gods, which is to say they have none at all! For they do not know the ONE true God. But, I tell you this, it is time for our deliverance.  I am sure of it. Because one day, (with an excited secret) something happened, right here that makes me sure.
I was walking through the temple, praying, as is my custom, when I saw Simeon praying with a young couple, right over there.  (Points.) That's not unusual. But, I looked again. Who is that with Simeon?  I didn't recognize the man or woman. But something was happening and I recognized it as the stirring of the Spirit of the Lord.
(More excitedly)
As I moved closer to them - the Spirit of the Lord came upon me and I KNEW, I knew.  There - in the arms of that young mother was the future of Israel.
I heard some of what Simeon was saying: 'The rise and fall of many in Israel. . .' 
'A sign to be spoken against. . .'  
'Many hearts to be judged…'
As Simeon finished speaking, I became overwhelmed with emotion and the Presence of the Spirit.
My lips gave way to the power of God and I prophesied about the child and about our people.
Wonderful words
Powerful promises
Mysterious things
Scriptures came  to my mind, like this one:
Here is my servant, 
whom I uphold
My chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
And a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
He will not falter or be discouraged
Till he establishes justice on earth.
(Gasp.)
Did the parents hear?  Did they understand? Did I understand?  NO.  NO. Who can fully grasp the plans of the Almighty? His understanding no one can fathom.
Overcome by the impact of the revelation, I ran to those praying and said, 'Stand to your feet. Lift up your heads! Your answer is here!
One man said to me, "Silly woman, you do not even know what I was asking.  How can my answer be here."
I responded, "It doesn't matter what the question.  Your answer is here. There is a child; pay attention to him." And I gathered some to show them the child.
We came back (running like an elderly woman), and . . .
they had gone.  (Stunned)
I frantically searched the crowd, trying to see where the family was. How could this be? I wanted to run out of the temple! (Ready to run but stops.) But even if I did I would not be able to catch up to them. I am too old.  Those who had come with me drifted away.
(Head hangs down.  Then, after a short time, look up trying to decide what to do. Thoughtfully.)
I know, that I belong here - in the Temple. So, I have decided to be content to  watch and listen for news of this child. Surely such a great anointing will not go unnoticed. I am sure to hear of this child.
How will he show himself to our people? How will he throw off our enemies? How will he take the throne?
And now, I tell those who come here just what I have told you. God has sent a deliverer for us.
Our deliverer has come.
Our deliverer has come.
(Chants/sings )
OUR DELIVERER HAS COME
THE HOPE AND GLORY OF ISRAEL.
BLESSED IS HE.
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
He is here, and nothing will be the same.
Not me. (Start walking down from front; then stops) Not my people. (Takes a few more steps and stop again.) Not the nations. (Pause) Shalom.
............................
Copyright 2002 Ann E. Curtis, all rights reserved. This script may be used free of charge, provided no entrance charge is made to the performance. In return, the author would like to be told of any performance. She may be contacted at ann.curtis@safeplace.net Please keep my copyright information on the papers when distributed.