December Spiritual Focus

Advent Jesse Tree

The season is a busy time but let us expectantly draw aside and remember the greatest gift ever give, Jesus the Christ, Son of God, Savior, Wonderful Counselor.  
We have two suggestions to help make this season memorable.


The Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is really an Advent Tree where ornaments are made and hung that depict the expectation of Jesus from the Old Testament and his coming into the world.  In Isaiah 11:1 we read "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots."   Rooted in this scripture, the Jesse Tree is a means to tell the story of God’s faithfulness over 4,000 years of history that is.


     A website for experiencing a Jesse Tree
     http://www.aholyexperience.com/free-advent-devotionals-jesse-tree-book/
       A 25 day journey includes a Bible text, devotion that
       can be read to the family, and a short action point of 
       the day.  This is online or it can be printed out.  It 
       also includes printable ornaments you can use to
       make a Jesse tree with your family.


A Daily Reading
If you would rather have a daily reading program, may we suggest Christmastide.
Christmastide: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle 
    Christmastide is a book that gives experience in praying
    the hours during the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany 
    seasons.





Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth