22 December 2022

And she said, ‘Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.’

She left him there for the Lord.

From 1 Samuel 1:24-28, NRSV

In today’s Old Testament Reading we hear the story of how the infant Samuel was brought to the temple by his mother Hannah. This was in fulfilment of a vow that Hannah had made before Samuel’s conception. Hannah had suffered much sorrow and shame at being unable to conceive a child. This was compounded by the taunting she received from her husband’s other wife who had children. Hannah prayed fervently and promised God that if were to have a son, she would dedicate him to the service of the Lord.  In dedicating her son, Hannah was not abandoning him but acknowledging that he belonged first to God. Hannah’s action involved sacrifice but God honoured her gift. Samuel grew up to be a great prophet who changed the future of the people of Israel and who established the kingdom into which the Messiah was born.

• • Why do you think Hannah was able to fulfil her vow? 
  • Why do you think we hear this reading so close to the celebration of Christmas?

As we approach Christmas, you may like to pray for all parents who are awaiting the birth of a child.

Image – Samuel Dedicated by Hannah at the Temple by Frank W.W. Topham