The Jesse Tree is a centuries-old family Advent tradition popular with both children and adults alike. It helps to us to connect Jesus with the shepherd boy who became King David of Israel (son of Jesse).
Each day an ornament can be hung in a Jesse 'tree'. Starting at the base of the tree with Adam and Eve, and the top of the tree with the coming of the child Jesus at Christmas. Each day has a scripture reading and a symbol and will give a much deeper understanding of Christmas by the 25th.
Here are the symbols and scripture for the first week:
Dec 1 - The world is created (a globe) - Genesis 1:24-28
Dec 2 - Adam and Eve (snake and apple) - Genesis 3:1-24
Dec 3 - Noah and the Flood (rainbow) - Genesis 6:11-22; 8:6-12; 9:11-17
Dec 4 - Abraham (camel) - Genesis 12:1-7; 13:2-18; 18:1
Dec 5 - Sarah (baby) - Genesis 18:1-15: 21:1-7
Dec 6 - Isaac (ram) - Genesis 22:1-14
Dec 7 - Jacob (ladder) - Genesis 27:41-28:22
My lovely friend Maureen mentioned this to me last week as an alternative to an advent calendar and I had great intentions of making one (!!!!) but here we are on the 1st and it is still a dream. Perhaps I should just use an advent candle and a bible instead?
If you would like to know more about this tradition, click here
God bless you,
Ros
May these days of Advent
be truly special for you,
red-letter days that renew you
in your friendship with the Lord.
May each day bring
its own special grace to you,
gifts of faith, hope and love
from the Lord's loving heart.
May each precious moment
shared with the Lord in prayer,
each resolution you make
to please the Lord, bring blessings
on you and your loved ones
throughout the Christmas season
and in the new year ahead.
(from the Prayer Trust)
