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Jesse Tree and Advent Bridge Path From Past to the Future
The Jesse Tree is the perfect complement to Advent. Its is a great way to recall history of Jesus and his family as well as applying it to the four weeks of advent that are highlighted with the four advent candles on the advent wreath. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said that the messiah will spring from the roots of Jesse, with the famous Jesse being David’s father. For the Jews, David was the last king of Israel and will be until the Messiah comes. For Christians, Jesus came from Jesse and is a direct descendent of David. Advent is the period where Christians recall the Christ Child being born and look forward to the second coming of our Lord.
Advents readings are assembled to remind us of the prophecies of the Old Testament with St. Paul reminding us of the reference to how Jesus was rooted in Jesse, or Christianity is rooted in Judaism. Advent is the perfect period of reminding us of our roots in the Jewish faith and how the Old Testament prophets foretold of all of this.
Because of the biblical references to the roots of Jesse, it was a logical leap to having a Jesse Tree that will match the readings of Advent that recall the family history of Jesus. In art thought out the Middle Ages the Jesse trees depict the linage of Jesus, with one of the earliest tree images appearing in the stained glass window of Chartres Cathedral dating back to 1150 A.D.
There are several different ways to produce a Jesse Tree and utilize it in Advent in conjunction with the advent wreath or as a defacto advent calendar. One of the oldest representations of the Jesse tree had ornaments that represent all 28 generations that Matthew listed as the opening of the Gospel of Matthew. The list starts with Jesse and Ends with Jesus. In its rawest form the genealogy and family tree of Jesus.
The Germans who are credited with the earliest Advent Calendars also were some of the early users of a Jesse tree. As we do now, hanging ornaments on our Christmas trees, the Germans opted to add scrolls representing the prophets and an image of Mary holding the Christ-child.
This practice has evolved into what many churches and homes do in lieu of the use of a Christmas tree. The Jesse Tree and Advent have been linked and each day there are new ornaments added to the tree that recall parts of Salvation history summarized though old testament stories. Also presents are the representations of the covenants’ that God made with the Jews. This paves the way to the new covenant that Catholics celebrate at mass in the Eucharist. The Old Testament covenants were made with Adam, Moses, Noah, Abraham, and Joseph. In each case God fulfilled the promises he made in his people.
Advent helps us remember this period in our history as a people. Advent wreaths, Advent Candles and the Jesse Tree itself are perfect ways to look forward to the coming of the Messiah by remember the past.
Beth carries many Advent Wreath including many Jesse Tree Advent Wreath.
More infomation at WikipediaReligious Home Decor is a Show of Faith
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More infomation at WikipediaBlending the Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath
The Jesse Tree and Advent wreath are two very common items Christians have used to mark four week period before Christmas called Advent or the six period that was known as Celtic Advent. In the modern time Advent has become a great way to stay focused on Christ and helping families overcome the commercial hurdles that Christmas represent.
The Jesse Tree is an older customer that was the precursor to the Christmas tree. It includes the creating of ornaments that represent events in the salvation story and within Jesus’ family Tree. The focus of the Jesse tree is based in the Old Testament and process though Genesis and ends with the Gospel of John, on the Birth of Christ (John 1:1-18) on Christmas day.
The Celebration of Advent uses the Advent wreath and the family lights the candles each night at their table. They light one Advent candle the first week, two advent candles the second weeks, three the third week and of course all four advent candles get lit for the last week. There are prayers that can be used but also the stories that go with the Jesse Tree are also great readings to be read as the candles are lit and to be discussed as each family has dinner.
The first day of course states with the lesser known story of the Jesse Tree and how the Jesse Tree was inspired by 1 Sam 16: 1-13. If you are using a Jesse tree in addition to your advent wreath, that symbol would be a Tree. The use of a tree, although arising though pagan tradition is rooted within the Old Testament is the first passage that serves as a reminder. This is a great jump off point for parents to have a discussion of why there is Christmas tree and how a Jesse Tree is a similar thought.
Additionally in our modern day we often use the Christmas tree to tell a story of our own families, just as Jesse Tree recalls the history of Jesus’ family. The focus on the family of Jesse was foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus and David came from the same family and Jesse is the father of David. It was also foretold that David and Messiah, Jesus, would come from the same family. David was the last king of Israel prior to the coming of the Messiah. Other popular stories included for the first week of advent is Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Isaac, Jacob. The second week moves into Gods promises and the character of Joseph, Moses, Israelites, The 10 Commandments, Joshua Gideon, and Samuel. The third week which is the week of Joy as we anticipate Christ’s coming, features David, Elijah, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Nehemiah. The last week is the focused on the New Testament characters with Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph, the Magi and Jesus.
All these figures lead us though our salvation history and a great way for families to reflect on these events each year. The Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath have prefect relationship help us stay rooted in the real meaning of Christmas.
Beth carries many Advent Wreath including many Jesse Tree Advent Wreath.
More infomation at Wikipedia