A Jesse Tree Advent

    When visiting the Bandon Presbyterian Church, I was reminded of the Jesse Tree, which is a way of journeying through Advent that traces the lineage of Jesus. The Jesse Tree refers to an image in Isaiah 11, in which Jesus is compared to a shoot sprouting from the stump of the tree of his ancestor Jesse. It reminds us that the coming of Jesus was long prophesied, and that in the stories of his ancestors, we can hear echoes of his own life, death, and resurrection.  Typically an ornament representing a specific Biblical story is added daily to a bare branch tree.  The tradition is a way to connect the Old and New Testaments with the coming of the Christ Child.  There are multiple versions selecting different Old Testament stories, but I am using the Reformed theology version.  

11/27     
THE JESSE TREE BRANCH
Isaiah 11:1-2 MSG
A green shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump, from his roots a budding branch.

Our world seems to be

In a desert of barrenness

Much like centuries past.

The green shoot of a Redeemer -

A welcome sight in the midst of conflict.

Have faith...Jesus is coming soon.

May I serve as a refreshing green branch in what seems to be a desert world, Lord. Amen.

11/28     

WATCHTOWER

Habakkuk 2: 1, 4 GNT

I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the Lord will tell me ….those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.’

How rarely do I stop to listen!
To climb my watchtower or
Seek that special place
Where I can hear God speak?
I hear words of encouragement
In times of turmoil and despair.
‘Stand firm. Be faithful.
My answer is coming.’


Help me seek out my own watchtower to faithfully listen for your voice, O God. Amen.


11/29     
CREATION
Genesis 1:27 GNT
So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 

Created in the image of God -
That includes not just Jesus,
But also the Holy Spirit.
God in us, God with us.
Created to be God’s hands and feet
In this big, beautiful world
God has fashioned with love.


When I doubt who I am or what I can do, may I remember I am lovingly formed in your image, Lord. Amen. 

11/30 
Adam and Eve:
Apple Tree


Genesis 3:23 GNT

So the Lord God sent them out of the Garden of Eden and made them cultivate the soil from which they had been formed.

An apple tree branches and enticing fruit -
Symbols of the downfall ‘in the beginning’.
A tree of life for the ‘healing of the nations’ 
marks the end of God’s story.
In between? A tree in the shape of a cross:
The tree of redemption.

Born for sacrifice. Come, Lord, Jesus. 


May a bite of apple give me pause to remember the tree of sacrifice and healing. Amen. 

12/1
Noah
Rainbow & Ark


Genesis 9:12-13 GNT

As a sign of this everlasting covenant which I am making with you and with all living beings, I am putting my bow in the clouds. It will be the sign of my covenant with the world. 

With a rainbow promise
God assures us he working through us
To clean up the mess
We have once again made of our world.
God with us. God IN us.
Come, Lord Jesus.



Every time we are ready to throw in the towel, God, you remind us of your presence. Amen. 

12.2
Abraham
Tents/Camels


Genesis 12:1-7 GNT

The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you.

“Pack up and move!
The trip will be worth it!”
Can I obey as Abraham such a directive from God
Knowing it will be long and uncomfortable,
Unfamiliar and difficult?
“I am going to show you the way.”
Those are the words of God-with-us.
Words that make the trip one of grace.

God, grant me the courage and trust to stretch beyond my comfort zone into the life of obedience and blessing. Amen.

12.3
Abraham and Stars


Genesis 15:1-6 GNT

The Lord took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and try to count the stars; you will have as many descendants as that.”  Abram put his trust in the Lord...  (5-6)

God’s sense of time is vast -
We get impatient for NOW!
But Eternal Promises
are worth the wait.
Trust with the HOPE that God
Is in control.


Lord, when I look at the vast stars in the clear cold night sky, may I recall your promise to Abraham and my impatience be assured. Amen. 

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12.25   MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

12/26

Most Jesse Trees end at this point with the birth of Christ.  I am going to run through Epiphany, including the events of the Shepherds and the Magi, and then with some of the other individuals/objects often found in alternate Jesse Tree listings (but realize I am now venturing out on my own in terms of scripture choices!)

12/27

12/28

12/29

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12/31

1/1/19

So...we went from the Creation of the World through the Old Testament to the birth of Christ and flight from Herod.  From now until Epiphany (the recognized date of the magi's arrival), I will include some of the 'extra' scriptures and symbols I discovered in other Jesse Tree listings.....

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