Jesse Tree

3rd Saturday of Advent December 21, 2024  Elizabeth Symbol=Mother and Child “Be careful what you pray for, you might just get it!” As an older woman with no children, I wonder if the pregnancy was more than Elizabeth was really prepared for. Were her ankles swollen? Did her back ache? Did she have energy enough to do […]

3rd Friday of Advent  December 20, 2024  Zachariah Symbol=Pen and Paper Zachariah was struck mute because of his lack of faith. We must not be mute! Be bold when speaking the truth and calling out injustice, deception, and lies. Zachariah got his voice back only when what had been promised to him came true. We can’t wait that

3rd Thursday of Advent. December 19, 2024  Bethlehem Symbol=Bethlehem From a tiny insignificant town came a great God/Man, Jesus. From a humble acorn, a mighty oak tree springs! First blush may not be telling. The quiet kid may have insights that catch us up short with their wisdom. Flashy, glitzy loudmouths who garner all the attention, may

3rd Wednesday of advent December 18, 2024  Daniel. Symbol=Crown Several common expressions come from the Book of Daniel. Such as—”feet of clay” and “writing on the wall.” But do we think of the context? If we are not united, we crack and fall. Working for the common good (fighting tyranny) can result in major change. But we

3rd Tuesday of Advent December 17, 2024 Isaiah  Symbol=CandleIsaiah spoke of a people returning to the light—God. His words of comfort still soothe today. This greatest of all the prophets of Advent, promised that “God is with us”. That Emmanuel and a special suffering servant, Jesus, would save us. (see chapters 42:1-7; 49:1-7: 50:4-11: and 52:13-53 for

3rd Monday of Advent December 16, 2024 Jeremiah Symbol=Map The nation had lost its guiding star—lost its way. Jeremiah tried to warn them about what would befall them if they continued on in their errors. Jeremiah’s words of warning were rejected, and the nation fell. But he continued to cajole, and to console, showing them the

3rd Sunday of Advent December 15, 2024  Elijah Symbol=Fire Elijah had a tough life—living in the desert and running for his life because he proclaimed uncomfortable truths. He suffered because no one wants their faults pointed out to them. As a nation, we are not listening to those calling for us to be better stewards of air

2nd Saturday of Advent December 14, 2024 Bathsheba Symbol=Bathtub Bathsheba was pregnant by a married man—just not her husband. What a mess for her! Women have always borne the shame and hardship of unwanted or scandalous pregnancies. They are judged harshly. Yet, it takes two to make a baby! Bathsheba is remembered as a “loose” woman.

2nd Friday of Advent December 13, 2024 David Symbol=Shepherd David was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. He was a shepherd and was an afterthought when Samuel came to Jesse to anoint one of his sons as king. David was pretty good with a harp and slingshot and became a great king but was a deeply

2nd Thursday of Advent December 12, 2024  Samuel Symbol=Ear The Lord had to call Samuel three times before he understood. How can anyone be so dense! Maybe we don’t understand either! How often do we miss cries for help in a day from others—the sad looking man on the bus, an outstretched hand with a begging cup,