This is the Jesse Tree created and decorated by the families at St. Peter’s Time for God service on Advent Sunday, 1st December 2013. The Tree and its symbols speak to us of Jesus and the amazing things done by all those throughout the Scriptures who told us of His coming and remind us of who He is.
The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots". The branch shows us how fresh hope can come out of sadness and new vision out of disillusion, and so the tree tells the 4000 year old story of God’s faithfulness throughout the Old Testament, the bringing of hope in Advent, and brings the whole story afresh to us in our time.
We had a wonderful morning with much discussion about various of the 24 readings and the children threw themselves wholeheartedly into the construction project. With songs such as Shine Jesus shine; Make way, make way; and He’s got the whole wide world in His hands, our worship was both thoughtful and inspiring. A really great way to begin Advent. Thank you everyone for all your hard work.
And so I wish you all a very blessed and joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with the Peace of Christ.
Dcn. Olivia
(symbols from Reformed Church Press & Carolyn Pikoulas for Faith magazine: Readings from E.S.V.)
