Jesse Tree

I found some good sites about the Jesse Tree last year, but my post was too late to be helpful for anyone. I decided to re-post last year's entry (lazy, I know) early enough to start. I checked all of the links, and they are still active. You will find a couple of different sets of dates. I will be using the same readings and I used last year (link within the post below), which begin on Wednesday, November 28. Some people do the Jesse Tree December 1-25. In my opinion, you can do whatever works for you! I think it's a great way to help keep the focus on Jesus during this holiday season. Now for the post:

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December 12, 2006

I have always wanted to do a Jesse Tree, but I never get around to planning it and making ornaments early enough. I found a chart of readings and some printable ornaments at separate web sites, but many of the ornaments didn't coincide with the suggested ornaments on the chart of readings. I am always working on planning a Christmas outreach for our church at this time of year, so I never got around to putting everything together.

This year I found simple printable ornaments in two sizes and Jesse Tree readings here. I printed the ornaments out on card stock and had my daughters cut them out, hole-punch them, and tie ribbon around each one. I already had a miniature Christmas tree, so I decided to use that rather than make one. The "Advent Reflections" (updated for 2007) include a short Scripture reading, a synopsis of the actual Bible story mentioned, and the Bible verses to read the whole story. When we are busy, we just do the short reading and synopsis. When we have more time, we read the entire story from the Bible. I'm so excited to finally be doing this!

Here are some other Jesse Tree links if anyone is interested:

Making a Jesse Tree
(this one looks really cute for younger children)

The Jesse Tree
(this is an article with background information, directions for making a Jesse Tree and a chart of Scripture readings)

The Jesse Tree at Domestic-Church.com

It is a little late to start this now, but it could still be done if you did a quick summary up to this point. I love showing my children how the Old Testament points so clearly to Jesus and this is a great visual to help with that.

In Him,
~ Andrea

HomeschoolBlogger Comments
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Nov. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ApplesofGold

I just love visiting your blog!! Thank you for these links-I'm going to check them out. We did a Jesse Tree a couple years ago, but never finished doing it.
Holly

Feeling Grateful

I have had so many things on my heart to blog about lately with no time to do it. I have so much to be grateful for this holiday season! Don't you love Thanksgiving? Even though it can be busy, it is such an opportune time to focus our thoughts on our Lord, our families, and everything that we are grateful for in our lives. I know that sometimes I need reminders to keep a thankful heart.

My husband and I agreed that it is time for me to quit my medical transcription job (we have been slowly weaning ourselves off this income for a few years). The Lord provided someone to replace me, so I should be done in the next couple months. I have also had less work recently. It is wonderful to be able to focus more on my husband, children and home!

Our children have begged us for the past several years to have outside lights for Christmas, but we haven't put them up (mostly out of busyness and not wanting to take the trouble). This year, they begged again, and I asked them if it is really that important to them. They all said yes and gave their reasons, and I thought, "Why not? What's the big deal anyway? It might be a nice new family tradition." So, I talked to Rob, asked him what he thought, and we now have a new tradition. Putting outside lights up earlier in our marriage (when Nathan was a baby) was quite a production, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect this time. Rob kept it simple, though; we bought some of those icicle style lights. And guess who put them up? Nathan and Jordan did it by themselves for the most part! Another huge blessing - they are growing up so fast!

Rob lost his grandmother last week. That was a difficult time, but although we will miss her, it was such an honor to know her and to have such a godly heritage to pass down to our children. She passed into the arms of her Lord last Wednesday.

It rained all night last night, and I think it's still pouring. I think the kids and I will straighten up the house, make something hot to drink, and read some Thanksgiving titles. Maybe we'll do some baking. It's a great day for it! We go to my in-law's home for Thanksgiving, and Rob's dad does almost all of the cooking, so I don't have anything to do for the dinner. I think I'll take the time to have a cozy family day with the kids before things get too crazy with church and other holiday events.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!