The answer is: Anna

Luke 2:36 - Same as the old Testament name Hannah, which means 'gracious'. Anna praised God for Jesus in much the same way that Hannah praised God for Samuel (1 Sam 2:1-10)

Anna, the elderly prophetess, is a captivating figure in the Gospels. Her name, a variant of Hannah, carries the beautiful meaning of 'gracious,' much like the heartfelt praise echoed in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel, Hannah’s joyous song after the birth of her son Samuel resonates through the ages, underscoring themes of faithfulness and divine favor. Similarly, Anna's recognition of the baby Jesus in the temple highlights her deep spiritual insight and commitment to God's promises.

It’s interesting to note that Anna belonged to a rare circle of women in the biblical text who are given powerful voices in a patriarchal society. Though she was widowed and aged, her status as a prophetess gives her a unique authority. Not only does she prophesy about Jesus, but she also represents hope and fulfillment for all who have long awaited the Messiah—there’s striking parallelism here with Simeon, who also receives a prophecy about the child.

Anna spent her days in the temple, a life of devotion that included fasting and prayers. This dedication serves as a reminder that spiritual vigilance and inflammatory hope can manifest in everyday habits. The period she lived through reflected a time of struggle for the Jewish people, and yet here was a woman embodying a prophetic vision that both reminded the people of what was promised and encouraged them to rejoice over its arrival.

Anna, in her brief yet profound appearance, wonderfully encapsulates the essence of waiting and witnessing divine fulfillment!