“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”
-Isaiah 11:1
7th Day of Advent
December 4, 2021
The Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree tradition originated in the medieval church in the form of carvings, stained glass windows, or illuminated manuscripts. Typically, the objects centered on a tree culminated with the figure of Christ and/or Mary, with branches showing the ancestors of Christ as listed in the gospel of Matthew.
Some of these are illustrated through ornaments symbolizing: Creation (a globe), Abraham and Isaac (a ram in bushes), Ruth (a sheaf of wheat), and the prophecy of Jesus' birthplace (a building or village). Each day an Old Testament scripture is read and a symbol is added to the Jesse Tree.
Most people who enjoy the Jesse Tree tradition focus on God's thread of redemption by traveling from Adam to Christ, showing God's hand in saving His people. Jesse was the father of David, Israel’s greatest king. Jesus is descended from the line of David. He is the branch God promised would grow from Jesse’s lineage. Each symbol represents a story from within this family and a step toward the birth of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be knowledgeable and appreciative of the various means used to celebrate the Advent season and the coming of your Son into this world for our redemption. Amen.
Steward Elias 'Pete' Prioleau III
Senior Board of Stewards
Mighty Men of Metropolitan
Advent 2021
Join us in a time of reflection, expectation, and contemplation during the season of Advent 2021.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you to hear the words of those reflecting, anticipating, and contemplating with you in community as we thank God for what God has done, notice what God is actively doing and anticipate what God will do next.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.
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