Last year we made a Jesus Tree (which I also highly recommend)...this year...a Jesse Tree. I cannot take any credit for this idea...I found it at Edie's blog and immediately ordered the book! We started on Sunday which was the beginning of Advent and already we have learned so much about the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah...everyday since we have read a devotional from the book and I have let the kids rotate decorating the ornaments that you can rip out of the book and make your own ornaments for your tree. Glitter works great because it is nice and sparkly if you put lights on your Jesse Tree. We did. Aidan had the honors the first night since he is the youngest...well, now that I think of it, I have no idea why we let him go first...so ignore that concocted story of why.
And please, while you are at it...feel free to ignore our messy school room too will ya? Thanks. You're a gem.
It has been a most wonderful way this year to dig deeper into scripture...to discuss the fall of man and why we needed a Savior...to imagine what the Hebrews felt when waiting on the Messiah...and to feel the excitement of knowing we have a coming of Christ to place our hope in as well!
Let me just say that I think there are a lot of Old Testament traditions that we could benefit from if we bring them into our homes...not that it is law to us...not that we feel we have to...but just as a way to reflect...to celebrate...to focus...to remember...to keep our hearts focused on the why's of certain Holidays.
I have cherished every single night we have done this thus far...and I am looking forward to each night to come till Christmas. This will certainly be a tradition we will continue...maybe we will change things up a bit here and there as the kids get older...not sure they will always be into bedazzelling paper....although who knows...check out my 13 year old below....but the Jesse Tree is a wonderful way to dig deeper into scripture and the meaning of this Season with your family. I plan to show it off during The Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes on the 14th so be sure you come back... k?
Oh I almost forgot...we also have an Advent calendar house thingy that I got at Target last year in which we stick a piece of paper in each day with a family activity such as "drink hot cocoa" or "watch Elf" written on each piece...one for each day...the kids LOVE this.
What advent traditions do you have in your family...please do share!
...and please ignore the fact that I was too lazy to post edit any of these photos. :-)"And whatever I do, may it always bring glory to you"
