Newsletter Issue #29 -- November 30, 2018
Advent 2018 begins Sunday, December 2, four weeks before Christmas Day. The word "Advent" means "coming." It refers to the
first coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah, and should also remind us that he
is coming again! The use of a Jesse Tree during the Advent season is a great way to "show and tell" the redemption story and the "coming" of the promised Savior!
Jesse Trees date back to the middle ages. Some ancient cathedrals even have Jesse Tree designs in their stained glass windows. The idea for a Jesse Tree is inspired from Isaiah 11:1, A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. (Jesse was the father of King David.) In Matthew chapter one, the Messiah, Jesus, is traced from the line of King David, back to Abraham. Jesse Tree ornaments depict the Messianic line of Jesus from the Old and New
Testaments and tell the redemption story.
To make a Jesse Tree, choose an interesting tree branch from which to hang your ornaments, and then anchor it in a bucket of sand; sew fabric ornaments onto a tree-shaped
banner or hang the ornaments onto a traditional Christmas tree. (Unlike a Chrismon Tree ornament, you can decorate Jesse Tree ornaments using various colors and adornments.)
Suggested Jesse Tree Activities: Click
to get the directions for Sunday school and home use.
Find more Christmas and Advent Activities:
Bible
Lessons,
Crafts,
and
Games.
Don't stress the CHRISTmas season! Our Biblically-based event planner makes your
celebration easy, meaningful, and fun. Learn
more on the following links: Meet Me at the
Manger and Follow That
Star.