Jesse Tree

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,

2nd Wednesday of Advent December 11, 2024 Hannah Symbol=Wine Hannah, a barren woman, poured out her heart to the Lord silently begging that her barrenness be removed. The high priest thought she was drunk because she cried and moved her lips but remained silent. What barren and dry hurts do we hold in our hearts silently?

2nd Tuesday of Advent December 10, 2024 Ruth Symbol=Heart Ruth threw herself at the feet of her kinsman hoping for protection. She was a humble and hard-working immigrant and refugee from famine. She went on to become the great-grandmother of King David. We have many hard-working immigrants and refugees in the U.S. They have risked their