Today is Day 16 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 16 is that of a lamb and a staff.
The scriptures are Isaiah 40:11 - He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young;
Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want; and
John 10:27 - but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
The Old Testament readings portray Jesus as a good shepherd. He cares for those who love and follow Him like a shepherd cares for his flock of sheep. Sheep follow their shepherd knowing that he will protect them and provide for them in every circumstance. The Isaiah scripture is particularly uplifting and encouraging for mothers and fathers of young children as he promised to gently lead those who have young. It's almost as if He gives us an owners manual when we have young children to guide and instruct. He comes along side us and directs us how to lead them down the right path. If we are believers in Jesus, we will follow him because his sheep know his voice.
Activity: Play follow the leader.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a lion and a lamb. This can be done using a candycane turned upside down (if you want it to last year after year, consider using a candycane ornament) and a sheep. Of course, a sheep can be made in a variety of ways using something white and fluffy such as craft pom poms, etc.
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Showing posts with label Christmas ornaments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas ornaments. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Day 14 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 14 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 14 is that of a lion and a lamb. These symbols are also represented in the movie Twilight. But, the propecy of the lion and the lamb lying down together carry deeper significance in connection with Biblical prophecies.
The scriptures are Isaiah 11:6-10; and
Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 21:1-7; and Philippians 2:9-11
The Old Testament readings tie together with the New Testament readings to show what it will be like when this prophecy is completely fulfilled with the new heaven and the new earth - A place where Jesus sits on a throne next to his Father, God and welcomes in those who love him and did his Will. The Isaiah passage talks about the prophesy of the time when all will be at peace. A child will play next to a viper's hole and not be harmed.
Activity: There is a saying, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb." You can study similar sayings as well as this one and learn how a lion is ferocious & a lamb is gentle. Enjoy lion and lamb coloring sheets. Crayola has a fun Lion/lamb craft using your child's handprint. And, here's a handprint craft for the lamb.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a lion and a lamb. An ornament carved out of olive wood can be purchased. Or, you can make your own using variations of the handprint crafts above, use clay, felt or be creative.
Day 14 Advent Jesse Tree
The scriptures are Isaiah 11:6-10; and
Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 21:1-7; and Philippians 2:9-11
The Old Testament readings tie together with the New Testament readings to show what it will be like when this prophecy is completely fulfilled with the new heaven and the new earth - A place where Jesus sits on a throne next to his Father, God and welcomes in those who love him and did his Will. The Isaiah passage talks about the prophesy of the time when all will be at peace. A child will play next to a viper's hole and not be harmed.
Activity: There is a saying, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb." You can study similar sayings as well as this one and learn how a lion is ferocious & a lamb is gentle. Enjoy lion and lamb coloring sheets. Crayola has a fun Lion/lamb craft using your child's handprint. And, here's a handprint craft for the lamb.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a lion and a lamb. An ornament carved out of olive wood can be purchased. Or, you can make your own using variations of the handprint crafts above, use clay, felt or be creative.
Day 14 Advent Jesse Tree
Day 13 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 13 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 13 is that of a stump with fresh shoot or leaf. The picture in this article is one of a tree stump taken from a rain forest. While, it has been uprooted & springs no life; the stump of Jesse with a sprout of green life coming from it is symbolic of the coming savior. This stump - The stump of Jesse - would spring forth life in the form of one who would save the world from all sin.
The scriptures are Isaiah 11:1-5; and
John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we behelf his glory."
The Old Testament and New Testament readings tie together by showing how, according to the Advent Jesse Tree book:
Although God had to warn His people that they would be cut off for a time because of their sins, the prophet Isaiah sang for them a new song of hope. From their brokenness would shoot forth a New Branch. hrist would be firmly planted in righteousness and justice. Through the family tree of Jesse and David, Jesus, the "Anointed One" would come. This is the literal meaning of Messiah, or Christ..
Activity: Lessons about the Jesse Tree.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a stump with a fresh shoot. You can use your imagination and use clay or a branch with a green piece of felt coming from it. I found an ornament at Grace's Merry Go Round Outlet store for 50 cents that is a brown tree with green wire surrounding it.
Day 13 Jesse Tree Advent Calendar
The scriptures are Isaiah 11:1-5; and
John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we behelf his glory."
The Old Testament and New Testament readings tie together by showing how, according to the Advent Jesse Tree book:
Although God had to warn His people that they would be cut off for a time because of their sins, the prophet Isaiah sang for them a new song of hope. From their brokenness would shoot forth a New Branch. hrist would be firmly planted in righteousness and justice. Through the family tree of Jesse and David, Jesus, the "Anointed One" would come. This is the literal meaning of Messiah, or Christ..
Activity: Lessons about the Jesse Tree.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a stump with a fresh shoot. You can use your imagination and use clay or a branch with a green piece of felt coming from it. I found an ornament at Grace's Merry Go Round Outlet store for 50 cents that is a brown tree with green wire surrounding it.
Day 13 Jesse Tree Advent Calendar
Friday, December 3, 2010
Day 10 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 10 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 10 is that of a sheaf of wheat.
The scriptures are Ruth 1-4 which is the story of Ruth and her obedience to her God. When her world falls apart, her husband dies leaving her all alone, she sticks with her mother-in-law insisting that "Your people are my people, and your God is my God." The result is she finds a husband, her kinsman redeemer, who ends up in the lineage of Jesus; and
Matthew 1:5 - "Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse."
The Old Testament and New Testament readings tie together by showing how the obedience of one woman, Ruth, to her God brought about a husband for her who would find himself in the lineage of Jesus Christ the Messiah (through the root of Jesse). In addition to this, the term "kinsmen redeemer" is introduced referring to Boaz, giving us a clear picture of how Jesus redeems us.
Activity: Coloring sheets on Ruth
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a sheaf of wheat. All you need to make this ornament is a few sprigs of dried wheat tied with a piece of rafia.
The scriptures are Ruth 1-4 which is the story of Ruth and her obedience to her God. When her world falls apart, her husband dies leaving her all alone, she sticks with her mother-in-law insisting that "Your people are my people, and your God is my God." The result is she finds a husband, her kinsman redeemer, who ends up in the lineage of Jesus; and
Matthew 1:5 - "Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse."
The Old Testament and New Testament readings tie together by showing how the obedience of one woman, Ruth, to her God brought about a husband for her who would find himself in the lineage of Jesus Christ the Messiah (through the root of Jesse). In addition to this, the term "kinsmen redeemer" is introduced referring to Boaz, giving us a clear picture of how Jesus redeems us.
Activity: Coloring sheets on Ruth
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a sheaf of wheat. All you need to make this ornament is a few sprigs of dried wheat tied with a piece of rafia.
Day 7 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 7 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 7 is that of a colorful coat.
The scriptures are Genesis 37:3-36 and Genesis 50:18-21 which is the account of Joseph being given a special colurful coat. His brothers were jealous so they threw him into a pit and said he was dead. Meanwhile, a slave trader found Joseph and bought him. The story doesn't end there because God had a plan; and
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God."; and
The Old and New Testament readings tie each other together by explaining that when this bad thing happened to Joseph, God may have seemed far away. But, in fact He was very close to Joseph. He had a plan. His plan was to position Joseph in Egypt where he would eventually become Pharoah's right hand man. This put him in the position of providing food for his family when the terrible famine hit years later. The other part of the plan was to get the Israelites out of the land of Canaan where sin abounded and bring them to the land of Egypt where they would be untouched and allowed to be set apart until their return to the promised land.
Where is God when bad things happen? Some believe He allows bad things to happen and never causes them. Others believe He causes bad things to happen and are angry because of it. The story of Joseph reveals that he possibly does both - Sometimes he allows sin to have its consequences. Other times he may even set up the situtation or use the situation for a better outcome. Regardless of whether God allows bad things or causes bad thing, the Bible describes God as Love. Would you rather serve a God who has a loving plan for your life and calls circumstances in your path for the end result that He orchestrates. Or, would you rather serve a God who has no control over evil and sits back simply allowing chaos to go on in your life? While both points may have scripture to back them up, Romans points out that for those who love Him, all things will work together for good. Ultimately, in the end, if you stay faithful good will come. There is a happy ending to your story.
Activity: DLTK.com
provides several coloring pages, Joseph coat crafts and activities that are a fun way to get this lesson across.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a colorful coat. You can use a doll's shirt & add colorful strips of fabric or cut felt pieces to be hung on the tree.
The scriptures are Genesis 37:3-36 and Genesis 50:18-21 which is the account of Joseph being given a special colurful coat. His brothers were jealous so they threw him into a pit and said he was dead. Meanwhile, a slave trader found Joseph and bought him. The story doesn't end there because God had a plan; and
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God."; and
The Old and New Testament readings tie each other together by explaining that when this bad thing happened to Joseph, God may have seemed far away. But, in fact He was very close to Joseph. He had a plan. His plan was to position Joseph in Egypt where he would eventually become Pharoah's right hand man. This put him in the position of providing food for his family when the terrible famine hit years later. The other part of the plan was to get the Israelites out of the land of Canaan where sin abounded and bring them to the land of Egypt where they would be untouched and allowed to be set apart until their return to the promised land.
Where is God when bad things happen? Some believe He allows bad things to happen and never causes them. Others believe He causes bad things to happen and are angry because of it. The story of Joseph reveals that he possibly does both - Sometimes he allows sin to have its consequences. Other times he may even set up the situtation or use the situation for a better outcome. Regardless of whether God allows bad things or causes bad thing, the Bible describes God as Love. Would you rather serve a God who has a loving plan for your life and calls circumstances in your path for the end result that He orchestrates. Or, would you rather serve a God who has no control over evil and sits back simply allowing chaos to go on in your life? While both points may have scripture to back them up, Romans points out that for those who love Him, all things will work together for good. Ultimately, in the end, if you stay faithful good will come. There is a happy ending to your story.
Activity: DLTK.com
provides several coloring pages, Joseph coat crafts and activities that are a fun way to get this lesson across.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a colorful coat. You can use a doll's shirt & add colorful strips of fabric or cut felt pieces to be hung on the tree.
Day 6 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 6 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 6 is that of a ladder.
The scriptures are Genesis 27:41-28:22 which tells the account of Jacob's dream where he saw a ladder to heaven with angels climbing up and down.
There is no New Testament reading for today's devotion. But, the ladder in Jacob's dream is significant of the connection we now have, open to everyone who believes, of Jesus connecting us to the Father God. The ladder signifies how Jesus left his Heavenly glorious dwelling and descended to earth to become a man. He then died & rose to forever bridge that gap between man (man's sin) and God. The heart of the story is in the first part of the verse Genesis 28:15 where is says:
Remember, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go..
Activity: Here are some great lesson activities from New Church Vineyard.org. And, if you like to use snacks in your lesson plans, here's a great Jacob's ladder "pretzel ladders" snack and lesson plan from rotation.org.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a ladder. The easiest way to make this ornament is to purchase a wood fence cutout from the craft store or find a dollhouse picket fence & turn it on it's side to look like a ladder. Paint & decorate it how you like. You can even add angels or a light on top to signify God who was at the top of the ladder. Or, be creative with toothpicks, popsicle sticks or felt.
The scriptures are Genesis 27:41-28:22 which tells the account of Jacob's dream where he saw a ladder to heaven with angels climbing up and down.
There is no New Testament reading for today's devotion. But, the ladder in Jacob's dream is significant of the connection we now have, open to everyone who believes, of Jesus connecting us to the Father God. The ladder signifies how Jesus left his Heavenly glorious dwelling and descended to earth to become a man. He then died & rose to forever bridge that gap between man (man's sin) and God. The heart of the story is in the first part of the verse Genesis 28:15 where is says:
Remember, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go..
Activity: Here are some great lesson activities from New Church Vineyard.org. And, if you like to use snacks in your lesson plans, here's a great Jacob's ladder "pretzel ladders" snack and lesson plan from rotation.org.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a ladder. The easiest way to make this ornament is to purchase a wood fence cutout from the craft store or find a dollhouse picket fence & turn it on it's side to look like a ladder. Paint & decorate it how you like. You can even add angels or a light on top to signify God who was at the top of the ladder. Or, be creative with toothpicks, popsicle sticks or felt.
Day 5 Advent Jesse Tree
Today is Day 5 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 5 is that of a lamb.
The scriptures are Genesis 22:1-19 which is the account of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac; and
Isaiah 53:7 - "He was abused and punished, but he didn't open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off. He didn't open his mouth."
John 1:29 - "John saw Jesus coming toward him the next day and said, "Look! This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."; and
1 Peter 1:19 - "Rather, the payment that freed you was the precious blood of Christ, the lamb with no defects or imperfections."
The Old and New Testament readings tie each other together by explaining that God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice the son he had been promised. When God saw that Abraham would obey God even unto death, He stopped the sacrifice of his son and substituted a ram that God had supplied on the mountain. This was a foreshadowing of what would take place with the sacrifice of the promised Messiah, who died to take away the guilt of our sins.
The Advent Jesse Tree book points out:
It is interesting to note that the place Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac (Mt. Moriah) was the exact mountain in Jerusalem where Solomon's temple was built. When Christ died on Calvary, the veil of the Temple was torn, symbolizing the final end of the sacrificial system. Today the Moslem mosque, the Dome of the Rock, is located on this site.
Activity: The lesson and idea of a father being asked to kill a son is a hard one to share with children. It's a difficult concept that sin causes death including the death of an animal for a sacrifice for those sins. But, then add to it that God promises a son to Abraham and then asks him to sacrifice that son. Of course, God knew all along death would not come to Isaac through the hand of his father. It was an ultimate test for Abraham: Would he obey God or did he love the gift of his son, Isaac, more than he loved God who gave the gift. This Bible Lesson by Suite 101 is really a cute way to get this hard lesson across. It has a Red Light, Green Light game and even a recipe for an edible altar.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a lamb. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind in making an ornament of a lamb is cotton balls. So, be creative. There are other options as well. Here's a nice fluffy lamb ornament from Kaboose.com. And, Joshclay.com describes how to make one out of polymer clay.
The scriptures are Genesis 22:1-19 which is the account of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac; and
Isaiah 53:7 - "He was abused and punished, but he didn't open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off. He didn't open his mouth."
John 1:29 - "John saw Jesus coming toward him the next day and said, "Look! This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."; and
1 Peter 1:19 - "Rather, the payment that freed you was the precious blood of Christ, the lamb with no defects or imperfections."
The Old and New Testament readings tie each other together by explaining that God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice the son he had been promised. When God saw that Abraham would obey God even unto death, He stopped the sacrifice of his son and substituted a ram that God had supplied on the mountain. This was a foreshadowing of what would take place with the sacrifice of the promised Messiah, who died to take away the guilt of our sins.
The Advent Jesse Tree book points out:
It is interesting to note that the place Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac (Mt. Moriah) was the exact mountain in Jerusalem where Solomon's temple was built. When Christ died on Calvary, the veil of the Temple was torn, symbolizing the final end of the sacrificial system. Today the Moslem mosque, the Dome of the Rock, is located on this site.
Activity: The lesson and idea of a father being asked to kill a son is a hard one to share with children. It's a difficult concept that sin causes death including the death of an animal for a sacrifice for those sins. But, then add to it that God promises a son to Abraham and then asks him to sacrifice that son. Of course, God knew all along death would not come to Isaac through the hand of his father. It was an ultimate test for Abraham: Would he obey God or did he love the gift of his son, Isaac, more than he loved God who gave the gift. This Bible Lesson by Suite 101 is really a cute way to get this hard lesson across. It has a Red Light, Green Light game and even a recipe for an edible altar.
Today's ornament for the Jesse Tree is the symbol of a lamb. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind in making an ornament of a lamb is cotton balls. So, be creative. There are other options as well. Here's a nice fluffy lamb ornament from Kaboose.com. And, Joshclay.com describes how to make one out of polymer clay.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 3 Advent Jesse Tree - Rainbow Over Noah's Ark
Today is Day 3 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions. The symbol, or ornament, for Day 3 is that of a rainbow over an ark as in Noah's Ark. The scriptures are Genesis 5-9 where you find the story account of Noah and the Ark. It is a lengthy passage, so you can read the story of Noah's Ark from a Children's Bible if you prefer for small children.
The scripture in regard to the promised covenant represented in the rainbow - Joshua 23:14 - "And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you; all have come to pass for you, not one of them has failed."; and
The New Testament scripture: Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The Jesse Tree ties together the Old and New Testament readings by explaining the result of sin is death. Mankind had become so evil that God was about to destroy them (death). There was one man, however, who was faithful - Noah! Because of his righteousness and faithfulness, God provided a way for this man to be saved from the destruction that was about to take place. He instructed Noah how to build an ark (a big boat) that would save him, his family & animals from the destructive waters that would flood the earth. God, then sent a rainbow to signify His promise to never destroy the entire earth again with a flood. There have been floods since the time of Noah's Ark, but none have covered and destroyed the entire earth such as this one did. God has been true to his promise (rainbow).
In the Old Testament, the ark was what literally saved Noah's life. In the New Testament, that same kind of salvation comes from the Messiah, Jesus in a spiritual form.
Activity: A lot of fun can be done with Noah's Ark. Veggie Tales has a fun DVD out called Minnesota Cuke: In Search of Noah's Umbrella. Another interesting study can begin with reading about a real-life sized (almost) Noah's Ark that was built by a man in the Netherlands. If you have long colorful ribbons, dance around waving your ribbons in praise, forming arches of colorful ribbon rainbows.
The ornament for the Jesse Tree - the symbol of a rainbow over an Ark could be made with clay as you did with the ornament of the earth. This would involve many beautiful colors and the forming of a rainbow, then use brown clay to form the shape of an ark. Or, you could cut out pieces of felt in the shape of an ark and bend colorful pipe cleaners or ribbon in the shape of a rainbow over top. Another fun idea is to purchase wooden cutouts of Noah's Ark. Paint it, decorate it & then add the colorful ribbons on top as a tree hangar.
The scripture in regard to the promised covenant represented in the rainbow - Joshua 23:14 - "And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you; all have come to pass for you, not one of them has failed."; and
The New Testament scripture: Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The Jesse Tree ties together the Old and New Testament readings by explaining the result of sin is death. Mankind had become so evil that God was about to destroy them (death). There was one man, however, who was faithful - Noah! Because of his righteousness and faithfulness, God provided a way for this man to be saved from the destruction that was about to take place. He instructed Noah how to build an ark (a big boat) that would save him, his family & animals from the destructive waters that would flood the earth. God, then sent a rainbow to signify His promise to never destroy the entire earth again with a flood. There have been floods since the time of Noah's Ark, but none have covered and destroyed the entire earth such as this one did. God has been true to his promise (rainbow).
In the Old Testament, the ark was what literally saved Noah's life. In the New Testament, that same kind of salvation comes from the Messiah, Jesus in a spiritual form.
Activity: A lot of fun can be done with Noah's Ark. Veggie Tales has a fun DVD out called Minnesota Cuke: In Search of Noah's Umbrella. Another interesting study can begin with reading about a real-life sized (almost) Noah's Ark that was built by a man in the Netherlands. If you have long colorful ribbons, dance around waving your ribbons in praise, forming arches of colorful ribbon rainbows.
The ornament for the Jesse Tree - the symbol of a rainbow over an Ark could be made with clay as you did with the ornament of the earth. This would involve many beautiful colors and the forming of a rainbow, then use brown clay to form the shape of an ark. Or, you could cut out pieces of felt in the shape of an ark and bend colorful pipe cleaners or ribbon in the shape of a rainbow over top. Another fun idea is to purchase wooden cutouts of Noah's Ark. Paint it, decorate it & then add the colorful ribbons on top as a tree hangar.
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