Some ornaments we’ve hung on our Jesse Tree so far: A stump for the root of Jesse with a shoot springing forth, a rainbow, the forbidden fruit with serpent, Joseph’s coat of many colors, the sunrise, and the offering bundle on which Abraham was to sacrifice Issac.
David’s crown, an oil horn, wheat collected by Ruth, and Rahab’s scarlet rope.
Jacob’s ladder, the Ten Commandments, and the world.
The Jesse Tree represents the family tree, or genealogy of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of God's salvation plan, beginning with creation and continuing through the Old Testament, to the coming of the Messiah. The name comes from Isaiah 11:1, "Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit."
I have enjoyed seeing all the cute ornaments the girls have made, but more importantly, with just a week left until Christmas, advent has come alive, more than ever in our home. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading the daily devotions as a family (as well as the accompanying Jesse Tree book). I have to say, Ann Voskamp has a unique way of making each day come alive and drawing you close, with her gift of words.
In spite of the busyness we all experience during the holidays, this advent celebration like no other, has encouraged me to simply come, sit, and rest in the full anticipation of the Gift… the Hope of Christmas… Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Come, Lord.
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