Tue 6 Dec 2005
I’ve discussed the need for regular family worship here before. It is something that my wife and I have committed to implementing within our home. As such, we are always looking for good resources to put into practice. Several years ago some good friends introduced us to the idea of the Jesse Tree as a tool for family worship during the holiday season. I’ll admit, I was not familiar with the Jesse Tree prior to this, so I’m guessing that there are many wo are still not familiar with this wonderful tool.
Taking its name from Isaiah 11:1, which reads: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit the tree picks up on the analogy of the branch as it applies to the long-expected Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5, etc.). Beginning on December 1st, (I realize that it is too late to begin this year, and I apologize for the delay in this post) each day is represented by a new ornament (though there are other ways to implement the same concept not using ornaments) relating a key piece of God’s unfolding revelation regarding the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth as the Annointed One. Through pictures, Scripture and songs, the entire story of redemption is broadly laid out for little (and big) ones to grasp.
For example, Day One pictures the earth and the concept of God as Creator and that everything God made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Day Two uses the image of a fruit and a serpent detailing the Fall (Genesis 3) and creation’s plunge into sin and decay (Romans 8:18-25). The book that we use includes a verse to memorize/meditate upon each day as well as possible songs to sing relating to that day’s theme along with a short devotional relating to that days “piece of the puzzle.”
For many believers, family worship is only a point of contention because we feel that we lack ability and materials to do it well. We simply don’t know where or how to begin. Many Christian parents would like to implement a regular practice of worship at home but simply flounder when it comes to actually putting something into practice. There are many helpful resources and the Jesse Tree, though seasonal is an excellent way to ease your family into the practice, you can purchase already-made kits or start from scratch and you can vary the depth and amount of content each day based on your comfort level.
Parents are responsible for the education of their children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and there is no more important area of education than theological. Regardless of your knowledge or experience level, I urge you to begin a regular practice of family worship in the home. Not only is it a responsibility as parents, it truly is rewarding, soul-stirring and God-glorifying.
Read about the Jesse Tree.
Buy The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions For Children and Adults To Prepare For The Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas by Dean Meador Lambert.
Read Thoughts On Family Worship by J.W. Alexander.
Read The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos.
Read My First Book of Questions and Answers by Carine Mackenzie.
Read A Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and Oliver Hunkin.
on 06 Dec 2005 at 2:13 pm 1.Katie Haggard said …
I really like the Jesse Tree idea…I would love to start that next year. I have heard of it vaguely, but haven’t really looked into it. It sounds wonderful!
Since Trevor was 1 yr old, we have done “Wise Men Gifts” instead of playing Santa. The purpose is to try to keep our Christmas morning focused on Christ rather than Santa and (if possible)presents! I got this idea from one of the Women’s Holiday Brunches one year. Each child is presented with a “Gold”, “Frankincense”, and “Myrrh” gift. Each gift given is representative of these three things. For example, frankincense: we give them a gift to help them to commune with God, like a devotional book, children’s worship music, etc. Then Gold is their big item, or the thing they wanted most for Christmas, and so on. It is a lot of fun chosing gifts to go along with these three things, and we love that it really helps us keep Christmas morning focused on Christ, and not destracted from other “normal” traditions, like Santa - and I dont have anything against Santa, I just love this tradition much better!
on 07 Dec 2005 at 11:28 am 2.Wade said …
Brent,
This is a great idea! Thanks for bringing attention to this.
Wade