A visual reminder to us and our children of the faithfulness of God.
A way to illuminate your Holiday Season by Rememberence.
A timely tradition that will keep us longing for the Bridegroom.
The Jesse Tree
In years past our family has read an "advent type" devotional beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Being partial to all things Jewish, we stumbled across a set of books by Arnold Ytreeide. Mr Ytreeide yarns a wonderful story of 3 Jewish children (3 separate books) that are living in Israel longing for the coming Messiah. The books climax with the birth of Jesus. Although they are a work of fiction, the historical and cultural details, as well Scriptural accuracy has brought our family to a new understanding of our Savior and the olive branch we have been grafted into.
This time every year the children begin talking about pulling the books out of the school closet, dusting them off, and preparing to read them again. Memories made that cannot be stolen or broken. Although each of them can tell you every detail of each story, it is a tradition now, a part of our season that keeps us ground in who we are, what we are longing for and the gift of redemption we have been given.
This year, I have decided to add a little something. So with much anticipation I pray that this "new-to-me" idea will become as beloved as the stories of Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha.
Enter the Jesse Tree. It is the act of remembering, of going back through the Grand Story God has knitted together since the beginning of time itself. It is hearing again the story of HIS faithfulness to His people, to our family, to each of us as individuals. In the busyness of this life, especially the holiday season, we are so often distracted and, hard as it is to admit, forgetful of this wonderful, amazing story. Of this LOVE story our Father God has written to us, this fabulous mercy he has, this unrelenting passion for His Children. We must never forget, we must tell it to our children, we must pass on this legacy because if we do not, then who will? This grace so unfathomable, it must be told, over and over. We must never be SO busy that we cannot stop and do what Moses commanded the Israelites, to talk about it when we sit, when we rise, when we lie down, when we walk and when we eat.
Can you do that with me this season? Can you NOT forget? Can you remember with your children? Can you stop and give thanks? Can you look forward with anticipation to the return of our Bridegroom? This is no little thing, this is life changing and life giving. This is family altering and perspective shifting. This is the gift to be had this season.
Come, lets take our children's hands and follow to see where the Lord is going to lead. I cannot promise that it will only take a little time, for questions and discussion may arise that need answering. I can promise that you and your children, the dynamics of your family will NEVER be the same. All for a small commitment of time. It is worth the investment.
Tomorrow, I will share more in detail how we will remember, the devotions we will use, just what it is all about and again I will invite you. This journey is not to be missed!
