Day Twenty Five Jesse Tree Christmas Day Advent Calendar

Today is December 25 - Christmas Day!

Day 25 Ornament - A nativity scene.

Day 25 Scriptures - Luke 2:1-10 which is the account of Jesus' birth and John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

There is no Old Testament reading for today as all the Old Testament prophecies we have read in the previous devotions come to fulfillment on today's study of Christ's birth. Today is not the actual date that Christ was born, but it is the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

The reason we celebrate his birth is because he came to die, to be the sacrifice for our sins, something we could not attain without Him. He was willing to leave His heavenly throne and His Glory to become a little baby in flesh, a human for us. When he was born, they laid him in a manger. What is a manger? It's a feeding trough for animals. They put him there because no one else had made room for Him. But, His words would appropriately become our Bread of Life.

We celebrate Jesus' birth. But, we don't celebrate a King that lies helplessly in a manger in flesh & blood, cold with no where else for him to lay. We celebrate his birth because of his life. He is God and he is man yet he did not sin........ever! He lived to be 33 years old & then died a cruel, horrificly painful death on the cross. But, he refused to complain or even take the pain killer offered him. And, we don't celebrate the baby or the cross because He stayed in the manger or because He stayed on the cross. We celebrate them because He did not stay in either place. Three days after being killed on the cross, he rose up from the grave in a spiritual body, walked among his believers for a brief more moments and then was taken up into heaven where he now remains. Because of this sacrifice of coming as a baby, dying as a man and being completely obedient to his Father, God; we now can come before the Father and; be called his sons and daughters. Sin no longer stands in the way. And Jesus calls us his brothers, sisters and friends.

Celebrate Christmas with your family today!

Day Twenty Four Jesse Tree Christmas Eve

Today is December 24, also known as Christmas Eve.

Day 24 Ornament - An Angel

Day 24 Scriptures - Psalm 91:11 - "He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways;" and

Hebrews 1:14 - "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Luke 2:8-14 and Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The Old Testament and New Testament verses explain more about angels. An angel is a messenger sent from God, usually with good news. The angel in this account had the message, "Peace on Earth." This was God's Christmas greeting to us sung to us by angels.

Day Twenty-Three Jesse Tree

Today is Decemberj 23 and Day 23 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions.

Day 23 Ornament - A candle or light.

Day 23 Scriptures - Isaiah 42:6 - "I, the LORD, have called you to do what is right. I will take hold of your hand. I will protect you. I will appoint you as my promise to the people, as my light to the nations," and Isaiah 60:1-3 - “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn;" and

Luke 1:26-38, 2:32 and John 8:12 - "Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark."

The Old Testament and New Testament tie the prophecy together to show that it has been fulfilled in Jesus. It tells of a world that had become dark because of sin, but now there is hope. When we open our hearts to believe in Christ, a "light" shines on us. Our eyes are opened to understand the scriptures, and we begin to go about doing good and loving kindnesses for others. We then spread a light of hope to those who are stumbling around in the "darkness" and hurting.

Day Twenty-Two Jesse Tree Star

Today is December 22,  Day 22 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions.

Day 22 Ornament - A star.

Day 22 Scriptures - Numbers 24:17 - "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth;" and

Matthew 2:1-12, Revelation 22:16 - "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star;" and II Peter 1:19 - "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

The Old Testament and New Testament tie the story together by talking about the star that is to come and then referring to Jesus as the bright Morning Star which rises in our hearts. The Epiphany Star is a five-pointed star which symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ.

The five points represent His hands and feet that were nailed to the Cross and His head with the crown of thorns. The Christmas story means nothing unless we, like the wise men, are willing to search for Him.

Once we find Him, we must come into Him and worship Him. He gave the greatest gift of all to us, the gift of eternal life. So, we must be willing to give our lives to live for Him.

Day Twenty-One Jesse Tree

December 21st. Some know it as the Winter Solstice, or the longest night of the year. In our household, it's my husband's birthday celebration. When celebrating the Jesse Tree, it's another story.

Day 21 Ornament - A brick wall.

Day 21 Scriptures - Nehemiah 1:3, 2:18, 6:15, Malachi 3:1; (for all the events of the building of the wall read all of Ezra and Nehemiah) and

Revelation 22:20 - "He who gives witness to these things says, Truly, I come quickly. Even so come, Lord Jesus."

The Old Testament and New Testament tie the story together by explaining the significance of the wall that represents the Wall of Jerusalem. At one time, there was a wall that encompassed the entire city of Jerusalem. Because God's people would not obey, God allowed bad armies to tear down the Wall of Jerusalem, and all the people were taken as slaves into different places and lands. But, God promised Judah to bring them back to their land. After they returned, the second Temple was completed under Zerubbabel. True worship was restored in Jerusalem in 486 B.C. Under Nehemiah's leadership, the Wall of Jerusalem was completed in 435 B.C. Following this prophesy in Malachi, there was silence from the prophets for 400 years waiting for the New Covenant to be fulfilled.

Read more in Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2 and Luke 1:76 and Luke 7:27.

Day Twenty Jesse Tree Fiery Lights

December 20th means that there is only five days left till Christmas Day.

Day 20 Ornament - A fiery furnace

Day 20 Scriptures - Daniel 3:19-29, Jeremiah 1:8, II Kings 17:1-23; 25:1-17, Isaiah 43:2 and Jeremiah 1:8 The passages describe the faith of men such as Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego who were willing to stand up for what they believed in even though the king had ordered them to bow before an idol. They refused.

The Old Testament scriptures explains how we should respond when presented with the choice of going along with the crowd and what is commanded of us when it goes against our beliefs. Just say no!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego were thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing to an idol. But, inside the furnace was an "Angel of God" who is believed to be Jesus himself. The men came out of the furnace not even smelling of smoke. Because of their stand, the king began to praise God. The three knew their God would deliver them from the fire.

Day Nineteen Jesse Tree

December 19 brings us to Day 19 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions.

Day 19 Ornament - A Bethlehem town silhouette with star.

Day 19 Scriptures - 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."

Both the Old Testament and New Testament refer to 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!

Day Eighteen Jesse Tree Written on Your Heart

December 18th is the 18th day of the Jesse Tree prophecy to promise Christmas Advent.

Day 18 Ornament - A heart with writing on it.

Day 18 Scriptures - Jeremiah 31:31-34 - “The time is coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people; and

Hebrews 8-10 which explains the history of how this law came to be written upon our hearts; and

Acts 16:31 - They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

The Old Testament and New Testament work together to explain how God promised a new covenant that would be fulfilled in Christ and a time when His Law would be written upon the people's hearts. 

The 10 Commandments (Law) were given only to be broken. Now, God has laid out a new "law." This law is written upon each of our hearts. Some may refer to it as our conscience. But, it goes deeper than that. It is a drive, a desire and a knowing of how to serve God even if we don't have his Law in front of us on paper. We have it written upon our hearts to know good from evil and to give us the compassion and desire to serve Christ with everything we do, think and say.

The physical tablet of stone that contained the laws could be broken or taken away or banned. But, this New Covenant "Law" is written upon our hearts. No one can snatch it away from us. Though, we can reject it. The way to receive this promise personally is to believe with all your heart. But, we also need to keep it fresh in our minds and meditate upon it day and night which is spoken of in Deuteronomy that tells us to speak about these truths to our children and to write them on the tablets of their hearts.

Day Seventeen Jesse Tree Prophecy to Promise Christmas Advent

December 17 is the 17th day of the Jesse Tree.

Day 17 Ornament - A cross.

Day 17 Scriptures - 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.

Day Sixteen Jesse Tree

December 16 is already here, and that means it's time for Jesse Tree Old Testament prophecies to New Testament promise ornament.

Day 16 Ornament - A lamb and a staff.

Day 16 Scriptures - 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 group of scriptures 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. If we are believers in Jesus, we will follow him because his sheep know his voice.

I have always found that this 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.

Day Fifteen Jesse Tree Peace and Victory

December 15th is here, and that means only 10 more days till Christmas! If you are following along with the Jesse Tree, Today is Day 15.

Day 15 Ornament - A dove and crown.

Day 15 Scriptures - 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 connect 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.

Day Fourteen Jesse Tree - A Lion And A Lamb

December 14 and Day 14 of the Jesse Tree

Day 14 Ornament - A lion and a lamb.

Day 14 Scriptures - Isaiah 11:6-10; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 21:1-7; and Philippians 2:9-11

There is a saying, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb." The lion is notoriously known for its fierce control, but in the Bible is also referred to as the Lion of Judah. The lamb is known for its gentleness, but in the Bible was also used for a sacrifice for sin.

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.

The Old Testament readings connect 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.

Day Thirteen The Root of What The Jesse Tree Christmas Countdown Means

December 13 brings us to Day 13 of the Jesse Tree teaching us prophecy to promise.

Day 13 Ornament - A stump with fresh shoot or leaf.

Day 13 Scriptures - Isaiah 11:1-5 and John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.

The Old Testament and New Testament readings connect and show how 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 a New Branch of life would spring forth.Through the family tree of Jesse and David, Jesus, the "Anointed One" would come. This is the literal meaning of Messiah, or Christ.

Jesse Tree Day Twelve Days of Christmas

December 12 is the 12th day of Jesse Tree Old Testament prophecies to New Testament promise!

Day 12 Ornament - A scroll or Bible.

Day 12 Scriptures - II Kings 23:1-3
This is the account of King Josiah finding the scrolls of God's laws in the temple and insisting that the people abide by what the scroll read; and

Psalm 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

The Old Testament readings show how important it is to abide by God's Words. The people had become lazy and began worshiping idols and such. When Josiah read the law, the Words fell upon them; and, they changed their ways (at least for awhile).

Jesus comes to us later to be revealed as "The Word made flesh."

Day Eleven Jesse Tree Prophecy to Promise Advent Christmas Countdown

December 11 Jesse Tree

Day 11 Ornament - A slingshot.

Day 11 Scriptures - 1 Samuel 16-17
This is the account of little David killing big, giant Goliath. David would later become king and is in the lineage of the Messiah. He is also well known for his sin with Bathsheba that snowballed into other horrific acts. Yet, he is referred to by God as "A man after God's own heart." Why? Because, when he was confronted with his sin, he didn't say "I'm only a man, what do you expect - I'm human!" Rather, he cried, confessed and repented. He turned from his sin and sought a pure heart before God. He started out as a shepherd boy as he relates later in Psalms 23 - The Lord is my shepherd. The account also tells how the smallest, most insignificant among us can become great in the hands of God.

Day Ten Jesse Tree Prophecy to Promise Advent Christmas Countdown

December 10 brings us to Day 10 of the Jesse Tree.

Day 10 Jesse Tree Ornament - A sheaf of wheat.

Day 10 scriptures are Ruth 1-4
This is the account 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 scriptures 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.

Day Nine Jesse Tree Christmas Advent Calendar Countdown Old Testament Prophecy to New Testament Promise

Day 9 Ornament: A Cluster of Grapes

Day 9 Scriptures: Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget not all his benefits Psalm 103:2

Numbers 13:1-2, 17-23, 27 - The account of Moses and the twelve spies looking at the Promised Land. Two returned saying even though the grapes were huge clusters, that we could take it if God was on our side. Those two men were Joshua and Caleb.

Day Eight Jesse Tree - Two Stone Tablets

December 8 means that today is Day 8 of the Advent Calendar Jesse Tree devotions.

Day 8 Ornament - Two stone tablets (the Ten Commandments)

Day 8 Scriptures - Exodus 1-15, Exodus 20 and Exodus 32:15-18 (the account of the Ten Commandments); and

Psalm 119:11 - "Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You."; and

Galatians 3:19 - "Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people."

The Old and New Testament readings tie each other together by explaining that God gave the Law to let people see the fullness of their sins and the consequences of their sins. But, when Christ came - Love conquered all.

Day Seven - 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.

Day Six - 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..