 History
of the Jesse Tree
Jesse Advent
Celebration at MCC
How to Make Your
Own Jesse Tree
Daily Devotional
Readings
History of the Jesse
Tree
The Jesse Tree is found in sacred art between
the 11th and 16th centuries. It was used to visually represent Jesus' ancestry,
the messianic prophecies, and events leading to the birth of Christ. The
Tree of Jesse has been portrayed in religious illuminations, manuscripts,
wall paintings, wood carvings and stone including a tomb stone; stained glass
windows, floor tiles and embroidery. The inspiration for this form of sacred
art comes from Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 11:1 "A shoot will come up
from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."
The tree is patterned after the tree in
paradise and the cross, making the definitive "Tree of Life". Jesse is usually
pictured at the bottom with various figures from the Matthew genealogy pictured
above leading to Christ. Often prophets are pictured on either side of the
climbing tree. Today, the Jesse Tree is a wonderful vehicle to tell the story
of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the
faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history.
Jesse Tree Advent
Celebration
At Marietta Community Church this Advent
season we will be observing the Jesse Tree. We will hang symbols of God's
faithfulness on our corporate Jesse Tree. In God's Word we will see Him weave
the story of His promise. We will see ourselves played out in the lives of
the ancients who waited.
And Jesus will come to us. And we will come
to Jesus.
Advent Schedule
all services held at the Marietta
YMCA Gym, 300 N. 7th St., Marietta
Sunday, December 6th - 10
am
Sunday, December 13th - 10
am
Sunday, December 20th - 10
am
Christmas Eve Candlelight - 6 pm |
Please join us each Sunday as we observe
the Jesse Tree. Follow along throughout the week with our accompanying devotional
booklet, "Awaiting Our Deliverer." Engage the whole family in the celebration
by using the daily Scripture readings for family worship and hanging the
symbols on your own Jesse Tree.
Our Advent Celebration also includes coordinated
Children's Church for ages three years to sixth grade, Nursery for infants
from birth to two years, and Advent Observances for men, women, youth and
children throughout the month. For our Christmas Project, we are partnering
with Koutiala Hospital for Women & Children makingnewborn layettes. Check
our events page and
current calendar for full
details.
How to Make Your Own Jesse
Tree
Observing the Jesse Tree at home will enrich
the Advent Season for your family. It's a great project for the whole family
and can be as elaborate or simple as you choose. For the tree, either use
a small table-top Christmas tree or a real tree branch that can be "planted"
securely in a pot. Then starting on December 1st, follow the daily readings
in your devotional booklet or use a children's Bible, whichever is best for
the age of your family. At the close of your family worship, hang that day's
symbol on your family Jesse Tree. Provided below are the symbols we'll be
using on our Jesse Trees. They can be printed on heavy paper and colored
or painted. They are also suitable for embroidery. You might enjoy making
three-dimensional paper crafts of each symbol, or creating ornaments with
salt dough and paint, or sculpey clay. Let the Jesse Tree reflect your
unique family!
To download the graphics, click on the links
below, then right click on each picture and choose "save as" from the pop-up
menu. These may also be printed directly from your computer screen by choosing
the file menu and clicking on print. For questions or help, contact the
church office.
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