Our Jesse Tree

This year is the first official year that we began a Jesse Tree for the season of Advent. I learned about it at Shannon's and she has a detailed explanation again this year.

It is a simple, yet effective way to look toward the coming of Christmas through devotions about the family line of Christ and God's plan of salvation throughout time. The Jesse Tree has its orgin with the verse, Isaiah 11:1, " A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."

We use the devotions found here. Each night we read the scripture reference and then the devotional. They are simple enough for the girls to understand and participate in our discussion. Then they hang an ornament on the tree to represent our discussion that night.

Most of the ornaments are simply colored in versions of the picture on the devotions, pasted on poster board. I tried to get creative with out 6 of them this year and each year I'll attempt a few more.

It is a great way to gather together each night and PAUSE in this busy season. We have a moment to remember the reason we are celebrating and the reason we look forward with hope!