Anna the Widow at a Wedding (Part 2)

Ever wondered what really goes through a widow’s mind at a wedding? Here’s a POV on Anna the Widow (Luke 2:36-38)

Another wedding! So much joy, so much promise. Each one is unique; each one stirs tender memories…

I remember my own wedding as if it were yesterday. The chuppah—simple yet sacred—was fashioned from fresh branches, perhaps even young cedar and pine planted at our births, forming a canopy open to the heavens. It symbolized the new home we would build together. Laughter echoed through the air, filled with the fragrance of nard and myrrh—spices gifted to brides.

I wore a linen tunic, rich in its undyed white or soft natural hue, adorned with embroidered borders. For modesty and purity were the deepest beauty. And my groom? He was radiant, clothed in a spotless white kitel over his tunic—a symbol of purity, and a poignant reminder of our mortality. His head was crowned with a garland of myrtle and olive leaves. To me, he was truly the fairest among ten thousand, as the Song of Songs says.

He looked into my eyes through the veil and called me his dove, his lily among thorns. He saw no flaw in me, and I—none in him. We were so in love; many waters could not quench it.

Our wedding was both aspirational and inspiring. Everyone had enough to eat and, despite the huge turnout,  we didn’t run out of wine – Pheww, thank goodness!!! 

The Deejay played all the right songs🎶. We danced and danced and danced our way to the bridal chamber. And then… only seven years later (which had gone by like seven days), our song—the Song of Songs—faded. Our dance ended. Just like that, I was widowed. Without warning. Without a child to remember him by, or son to carry on his name.

After seven days of mourning, weary and lost in thoughts down memory lane, I remembered our betrothal, wedding, the vows… my vow – ”your God will be my God.” I mustered every remaining ounce of strength, leapt to my feet, and for the first time, I left the house—running. Not to my husband’s tomb, but to the Temple. Where else could I go? I passed the gates, outer courts, inner courts, entered the temple and collapsed to the floor.

Can you imagine how many weddings I’ve seen over the course of the years? Many guests and friends ask why I never remarried. They wonder about my life: “Don’t you ever leave the Temple?”; “Don’t you get tired of worshipping day and night?” It’s clear they don’t understand my devotion — and I don’t expect them to. To many, I’m an enigma.  Some call me “the old temple widow,” or tease, “Anna the hundred-year-old fasting and praying machine.” Others ask, “Anna the Prophetess, do you have a word for us?”  

Yes, my story is well known—summed up in just two verses: Anna, Anointed Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Very old. Married young. Widowed after seven years. Childless. Never leaves the Temple. Worships day and night, fasts and prays. (Luke 2:36–37).
But I wish they’d add one more line: “Loves attending weddings.”😀😀😀

Weddings give me remote glimpse of the joy set before me. They fuel my hope and keep me in eager expectation. They remind me to keep watching, keep longing, keep preparing for the real Bridegroom—the One who is coming!

This wedding is beautiful, yes. But true redemption will only be complete at the wedding feast of the Lamb. And that celebration? That one will never end.

Blessings on this couple today. But oh, that my eyes might see Him—the One who redeems us all. He is the One truly worth waiting for. I long for the day when I will say “Now my eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord. A Light to the gentiles, the glory of Israel” 

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”

He comes as a Bridegroom—riding the clouds on a white horse, clothed in majesty— the Prince of Peace, the true Prince Charming.

So I will worship.
I will fast.
I will pray.
And I will wait for Him.

And now to you, yes you dear reader – 😊What goes through your mind at weddings?

Missed Part 1 of this POV series? It’s a really fun read. Catch up here 👉🏼 The Parable of ten singles at a wedding. Don’t forget to like, comment, share and subscribe to receive notifications of future posts.