Try a different Advent Calendar this year!
From medieval times, Christians have been fascinated with visual representations of the family tree of Jesus. A stained glass window at Chartres Cathedral in France, built in the 13th century, depicts a Jesus tree, representing the family tree of Jesse, the father of King David, which blossoms in the birth of Jesus the Messiah, the “Son of David.” This ancient tradition of the Jesse tree was revived in the mid-20th century as an Advent practice.
The whole idea of the Jesse Tree comes out of the classic Advent passage from the prophet Isaiah: “A shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit” (Is 11:1). The Jesse Tree is hung with ornaments or symbols representing Old Testament people and events, which lead up to Jesus.
Watch out on Facebook and our website each day from 1st December for a new ornament and scripture passage as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus our saviour.
Look out also for a physical Jesse Tree at St Andrew’s.
