Day 17 Advent Jesse Tree

Today is Day 17 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 17 is that of a cross.

The scriptures are Isaiah 53; and

Luke 2:8-18; John 19:11-18 and John 10:15 -"I lay down my life for the sheep."

The Old Testament and the New Testament readings correspond by exposing the meaning of Christmas. We celebrate the birth of a baby only because of that baby's fulfillment of prophecy in the sacrifice on the cross followed up by His resurrection from the dead. He now rules at the right hand of God in heaven. Without this life-ending victory at the cross, there would be no reason to celebrate Christmas. In the words of Dean Lambert:

Little baby in a manger, You came to earth a tiny stranger, But soon the world would know You'd give the greatest gift of love.

You came to earth to die on Calvary Bear the pain and shame to die for me. I can't believe it - but it's so.

For you gave up your throne in glory. All the pow'r of the world was in your hands. You gave up your right to be ruler, You gave it up - to Just Be A Man.

Your kingdom was not to be worldly, Even tho' you could reign throughout the land. Your glory grew dim as a baby, and it was all a part of God's PLAN.

Little baby in a manger, You came to earth a tiny stranger. I found a home for you today, Come in my heart and always stay.

Activity: Consider activities that would typically be done at Easter such as making resurrection rolls.

Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a cross. A cross can be handmade by tying together two small twigs or in a variety of other ways.

Day 16 Advent Jesse Tree Devotions

Today is Day 15 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 15 is that of a dove and crown.

The scriptures are Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this; and

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

The Old Testament readings tie in with the New Testament readings in that the promised savior was to bring peace. Out of all the names given to Jesus, Prince of Peace is described in these passages.

Activity: Play games like freeze tag where once a player is tagged, they remain "frozen" in position until all are tagged. This represents sitting still, or in peacefulness.

Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a dove and a crown. A symbol or ornament of a dove can be found in craft stores. Crowns can be found in little girl dress ups. Use imagination to tie the two together.