What is Advent anyway?
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or "arrival," which translates to the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1), his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (John 1:29), and his first miracle at Cana (John 2:1). During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas.
Unlike modern Advent ceremonies, most celebrations of Advent in history had a twin focus. The Latin word adventus was the translation of the Greek parousia—a word used for both the coming of Christ in human flesh and his Second Coming. Advent, then, always tended to focus on both.
Started around 4th century in reaction to a heresy about dualism
Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter
Four Candles on wreath represent hope, love, joy and peace
Started with 24 candles but too many so was reduced to 4 started this practice in the 19th century
First advent calendar was printed in Germany in 1851
Secular tradition
Purpose of Advent is to awaken us and to help us recognize how fast time is moving and what we are called to do as followers of Christ
The Jesse Tree
What is the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree helps us unite the tradition of decorating Christmas trees with the biblical events that led to Jesus’ birth. The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”
Jesse was the father of King David. We decorate a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that symbolize the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The Jesse tree ornaments tell the story of God in the Old Testament, linking the Advent season with the faithfulness of God through 4000 years of history.
Jesse Tree Origins and Significance
The Jesse tree tradition originated in medieval Europe, inspired by Isaiah 11:1, which prophesies a "shoot" from the "stump of Jesse." This verse was interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, who would come from the lineage of David. Early depictions of the Jesse tree appeared in illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, and other forms of art.
The Jesse tree holds significant meaning for Christians during the Advent season. It serves as a visual reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and his promise of salvation through the lineage of King David. As the tree is gradually decorated, it helps to build anticipation for the celebration of Christmas, marking the arrival of Jesus and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Advent Practice of the Jesse Tree
During Advent, a new ornament is added to the Jesse tree each day, accompanied by a reading related to the corresponding symbol from the Old Testament. This practice helps Christians connect with the history of salvation and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas.
The Jesse tree serves as a visual reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and his promise of salvation through the lineage of King David. As we journey through the Advent season, the Jesse tree invites us to reflect on God's plan of redemption and anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.
Click the image below to view the Jesse Tree Ornaments on Amazon!
Jesse Tree Symbolism and Bible Stories
The Jesse tree includes various symbols representing significant figures and events from the Old Testament. Here's a brief overview:
Bible Story - Bible Verses - Ornament Symbols
- Creation - Genesis 1 - The earth
- Adam & Eve / Garden of Eden - Genesis 2-3 - A fruit tree or an apple
- Noah & the Flood - Genesis 6-9 - A rainbow
- God's promise to Abraham - Genesis 12:1-7 & Gen. 15:1-6 - A tent
- Isaac - Genesis 22:1-18 - A ram
- Jacob's Ladder - Genesis 28:10-19 - A ladder
- Joseph's Coat - Genesis 37 & Gen. 50 - A multicolored coat or robe
- Moses - Exodus 2-4 - A burning bush
- Israelites and the Passover - Exodus 12:1-42 - A lamb
- The 10 Commandments - Exodus 19-20 - Two stone tablets
- Joshua / Fall of Jericho - Joshua 6:1-20 - A ram's horn trumpet or wall
- Ruth - Book of Ruth - A sheaf of corn
- King David - 1 Samuel 16:1-3 - A six-pointed 'Star of David'
- Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6 - The temple
- Elijah and Baal's Priests - 1 Kings 18:16-39 - A bonfire
- Isaiah's 'Jesse' Prophecy - Isaiah 11:1-11 - A tree stump
- Jonah and the Whale - Book of Jonah - A whale
- John the Baptist - Matthew 3:13-17 - A scallop shell
- Mary - Luke 1:26-38 - A white lily
- Elizabeth - Luke 1:39-56 - A mother and child
- Zechariah - Luke 1:57-80 - A pencil and tablet
- Joseph - Matthew 1:19-25 - A carpenter's hammer
- The Shepherds - Luke 2:8-20 - A sheep
- The Wisemen - Matthew 2:1-12 - A gold star, three gifts or crown
- Jesus - Luke 2:1-8 - A baby in a manger
Savor Moment:
Make an advent wreath
Meditate on these questions taken from Bridgetown
- What do you feel like you are waiting for in this season? (Note: This could be something tangible like a job or a pregnancy, or something thematic like rest or hope.)
- What are some of the helpful and unhelpful ways you tend to respond to seasons of waiting in your life? (e.g. coping to numb the pain, trying to force an answer, prayer, leaning on Community, etc.)
- Think back on times when you have had to wait on God for something. How do you feel like God met you or even changed you in that process?
https://wellwateredwomen.com/sweet-recipes-for-advent/
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