The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History.
Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.
My original sources for days and symbols were Catholic Culture, Loyola Press, Faith Magazine, and A few beads short.
Let's begin with what a Jesse Tree is.
So if we begin at the very beginning, both in terms of Christ's roots and Salvation History, obviously we're talking about ...
I read the story of Creation and love God looking over all he made and saying, "It is good." I also love the vivid descriptions of what is created: "... great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind." And, of course, Adam is also part of what is "good." He is here to be a part of creation also.
Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.
My original sources for days and symbols were Catholic Culture, Loyola Press, Faith Magazine, and A few beads short.
Let's begin with what a Jesse Tree is.
The representation of the Tree of Jesse is based upon the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-2:Jesse was David's father, from whose line Jesus came (just to get all the connections straight). You can read the full story of Jesse in Isaiah 11:1-10 and David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the sprit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord.
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The Advent Jesse Tree is fairly recent practice, trying to emphasize "Christ" in Christmas by studying His roots. A home Jesse Tree can be a small evergreen tree, artificial or real, bare branch set in a sturdy pot, or a wallhanging made of felt, posterboard or wood. Each evening in Advent a new symbol is placed on the tree, the Scripture verse is read and the significance in Salvation History is explained.
So if we begin at the very beginning, both in terms of Christ's roots and Salvation History, obviously we're talking about ...
Day 1: Creation
Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
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| "The Blue Marble" photograph of Earth, taken from Apollo 17, via Wikipedia |
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| God creating the land animals (Vittskövle Church fresco, 1480s). Via Wikipedia |
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