As I think about the life of Naomi and how she lived her later years, I cannot help but think of a principle that we learn in the Advent story 3 you cannot tell the end from the beginning. Apart from the Old Testament promises of the Messiah and the angelic announcements of Messiah's birth, the majestic destiny of Jesus might never be guessed from His humble beginnings and surroundings.

We meet Simeon and Anna in the Advent section of the Gospel of Luke. As characters of the Advent story, they seem to be the oldest people one will meet. Perhaps as the oldest people in the Advent story we would be wise to pay attention to how they were living in their aging years.

Now if a Levite comes from any of your towns throughout Israel where he resides, and comes whenever he desires to the place which the Lord chooses, then he shall serve in the name of the Lord his God, like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the Lord (Deuteronomy 18.6-7).