The Jesse Tree: Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Read/listen to Bible. Read devotional. Reflect.
Be sure to read Scripture first. You can find the day's reading in the "Bible" tab, under plan. Today you'll see 1 Samuel 16: 1-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 as an introduction to the Jesse Tree. Then for Day 1, today, you'll have Genesis 1.
The Jesse Tree is an Advent tradition dating back to the medieval period. The name comes from Isaiah, who prophesied about a descendant of Jesse, the father of David:
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. — Isaiah 11:1
This “branch,” or “tree,” refers to Jesus. Throughout this Advent season, we will prepare each day for his birth at Christmas by tracing the story of Jesus from the Old Testament prophecies all the way to his birth.
For every day, a different icon and passage of scripture are paired with a devotional that has been crafted to explain how each of these prophecies or narratives point us to Jesus. Together, these help us enter into the significance of the Advent season, remembering how Jesus came in “the fullness of time,” and also further cultivating our anticipation for His glorious return.
For every day, a different icon and passage of scripture are paired with a devotional that has been crafted to explain how each of these prophecies or narratives point us to Jesus. Together, these help us enter into the significance of the Advent season, remembering how Jesus came in “the fullness of time,” and also further cultivating our anticipation for His glorious return.
Tips for the devotional
In the Bible tab, under “plan”, you will find the Bible passages for that day, which pair with the devotional. When you finish the reading, press complete and keep track throughout your journey.
In your app’s account profile, you will find a “notes” section, where you are encouraged to journal your reflections.
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