Day 19 Advent Jesse Tree

Today is Day 19 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 19 is that of a Bethlehem town silhouette with star.

The scriptures are Micah 5:2-4 - “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace; and

Luke 2:1-7 - "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

The Old Testament readings relates to the New Testament in that both tell the account of the birth of Christ and show the significance of the town of Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a small city of little significance out of where would come the greatest of all Kings - The King of King - Jesus!

Activity: Sing "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem!" Play a game that shows how something large and meaningful can come from something little, such as a butterfly from a caterpillar. Use some math skills by re-enacting the census and count and record family members, stuffed animals and dolls.

Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a Bethlehem town silhouette with a star. You might be able to find a Christmas card with this picture on it. Cut it out and glue it to a nice backing.