Dana Hagstrom – Be Still…

Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!

What a passage to reflect on for Advent! We hear from Jesus directly about what his second coming will be like. How helpful it is to know what we are preparing for. Advent reminds us that our job is to be ready, stay alert, and keep watch.

Jesus shares some details so that we’ll be able to recognize them. Otherwise, we might miss some of the signals. Just like when we see trees blooming or grass sprouting up from the ground. We know what those signals mean and can respond accordingly. I’m especially thankful to live in Mexico, where all the flowers and fruits bloom year-round. Continue reading “Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!”

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One

Read Jeremiah 33:14-16

To appreciate the Advent message, it’s helpful to have a backstory on Jeremiah, as well as a look back at the time when he proclaimed this prophecy. Jeremiah was the prophet used by God to warn the people of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah found himself imprisoned for his prophecies of doom. Finally, God gave him this message, holding a promise of hope.

No matter how far the people had strayed and hurt God with their indifference and worship of false idols, God promised them a deliverer. God would not abandon his people forever. As Christians, we recognize Jesus as the one who fulfills this prophecy, saving and redeeming the people. Continue reading “Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One”

Isaiah 64:1-9 – We’re Waiting

Read Isaiah 64:1-9

Isaiah does a beautiful job here of covering a lot of ground. For us living on this side of history, we can perfectly picture who Isaiah is speaking to. Isaiah would not have met the man Jesus but would be very faithful to God the Father.

The message God gave Isaiah may seem like it’s all over the place, but the gems are plentiful and can stand alone as beautiful prophecies that keep on giving. Let’s unpack these verses from the Advent perspective of preparing for Jesus’ return. What are your favorite takeaways? Continue reading “Isaiah 64:1-9 – We’re Waiting”

2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Our Advent journey begins in the Old Testament. Meet Nathan, a prophet and trusted advisor of King David. Nathan received quite a message to give to King David. It was more than a message; it was a covenant from God. This promise points to Jesus, our coming King. During Advent, we prepare not only for Christ’s first entry into our world at Christmas but his return. God’s promise speaks to every moment we wait, as well as for eternity. Jesus’ reign is forever.

When God makes a covenant with us, it can be trusted. God loves to bless his people with promises and provision. The Bible tells of several covenants God has made over the years. With Noah, God promised never to flood the whole earth again. To Moses, God gave the law that serves as a covenant between God and his people. Finally, Jesus ushers in the “New Covenant” that promises forgiveness and redemption from sin. God’s covenants give, and we receive, showing God our obedience. Continue reading “2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant”

Mark 16:1-20 – He is Risen!

Read Mark 16:1-20

Sometimes shorter is better, and other times we are thankful for a longer version of a story to tie up the loose ends. In either case, the book of Mark has a unique ending that can leave us pondering. Perhaps the earliest followers wanted more from Mark, and so they improvised with an alternate ending to give more details that line up with other texts. If it’s part of the Holy Scriptures at all, I trust it to be there by God’s hand, even if the change in style seems slightly obvious.

Even the short ending gives us the only message we need. The angel told the women, “He is risen from the dead!” Imagine hearing those words when you were expecting to be preparing Jesus’ dead body for proper burial. There hadn’t been time on the day of his crucifixion, but apparently it was no longer necessary. Continue reading “Mark 16:1-20 – He is Risen!”