Book Review | Book Synopsis | Affiliate Link | TJ Torgerson
This is less of a book review and more of a background for the book. Several years ago, I began to learn a lot about the season of Advent and the Jesse Tree. I wanted to find ways to push back against consumerism, materialism, and all of the other things that get in the way of what Christmas is all about. I learned that Advent was not simply a countdown to Christmas or a way to celebrate Christmas longer; Advent is its own thing. It is a time of preparation and anticipation. During this time I found several online family devotionals and activities; however, because the duration of Advent fluctuates each year, I found that many of the resources were meant to be used in a particular year. So, I decided to create a family devotional for Advent that could be used and reused each year.
Advent expresses the parallel between our current waiting for the coming of Christ and the nation of Israel waiting for Christ. This concept was coupled with the tradition of the Jesse Tree. A Jesse Tree is a traditional Christian practice that visually represents the genealogy of Jesus Christ and tells the story of salvation history. The name "Jesse Tree" comes from Isaiah 11:1, which states, "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." The Jesse Tree serves to connect the Advent season with the larger biblical story, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus. It provides a way for families, especially children, to engage with the biblical narrative in a visual and interactive manner, enhancing their understanding of the Christmas story. Each day, Bible stories are shared with the family, and special ornaments are hung on the Jesse Tree to remind the family of the stories. You can download free Jesse Tree Ornaments here.
My family has used this book several times, and in the years we make the time to utilize the book or participate in similar family devotional time, we can sense a difference in the season. It has helped us to intentionally pause during the busy Christmas season and reflect on a God who keeps His promises and who loved us by entering into human history on Christmas day. All proceeds from this book go directly to the first church I had the privilage of pastoring, Goodhope Church of the Nazarene.
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