The Jesse Tree

An Advent tree is often called a Jesse Tree.

Why?

We've been doing the Pre-K Advent activities from http://truthinthetinsel.com/. It's great for little hands, little hearts. 

Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

Isaiah 11:10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. 

Isaiah 4:2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.

Isaiah 53:2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

Jeremiah 23:5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land."

(and he won't be subject to toddler hands.)

Jeremiah 33:15 "'In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land.

Zechariah 3:8 "'Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.

Zechariah 6:12 Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. 

Romans 15:12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”

Revelation 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."

So, why the Jesse tree?

-Because Advent means "coming" or "arrival."

-Because Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, is often described as a tree.

-Because we aren't just waiting for Santa, but waiting expectantly for the risen Christ.

What could be more fitting?

Wishing you all love and joy this Advent season.