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Rating: 
Summary: One of the best Advent books
Review: The Jesse tree is a "tree" decorated with symbols of the forbearers of Jesus. They provide a devotion through Advent that teaches (or reminds one of) the Old Testament stories. There is no set group of stories that constitute an official Jesse tree, which allows the creative to adjust the tradition to meet specific needs. For those of us who need help with the art, this is an excellent collection with art that can be cut out and hung (the devotion will appear on the back of the ornament) or can be used in book form, simply leaving the appropriate symbol visible for the day. Of course, there are as many other options as those using the booklet can invent. The booklet also suggests which symbols should be omitted when Advent is less than its maximum length.For each symbol a scriptural reading is suggested, a short reflection is given as is a final prayer. Symbols include: the Jesse tree, the birth of life, Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, Father Abraham, Isaac and the ram, Jacob and his dream, a symbol of prophecy, Jospeh and his coat, Moses and the law, the blessing of Aaron, Samuel and the Word of the Lord, David, symbol of shepherds, the wisdom of Solomon, Elijah and the Raven, Elisha and healing, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah the builder, angels, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Virgin Mary, Magnificat, the birth of John the Baptizer, Joseph of Nazareth, the symbol of Bethlehem and the birth of the Lord. My only quibble with the list is that, in keeping with the geneology of Matthew, I would like to see Ruth included.
Rating:
Summary: A great family tradition
Review: The Jesse tree is a "tree" decorated with symbols of the forbearers of Jesus. They provide a devotion through Advent that teaches (or reminds one of) the Old Testament stories. There is no set group of stories that constitute an official Jesse tree, which allows the creative to adjust the tradition to meet specific needs. For those of us who need help with the art, this is an excellent collection with art that can be cut out and hung (the devotion will appear on the back of the ornament) or can be used in book form, simply leaving the appropriate symbol visible for the day. Of course, there are as many other options as those using the booklet can invent. The booklet also suggests which symbols should be omitted when Advent is less than its maximum length. For each symbol a scriptural reading is suggested, a short reflection is given as is a final prayer. Symbols include: the Jesse tree, the birth of life, Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, Father Abraham, Isaac and the ram, Jacob and his dream, a symbol of prophecy, Jospeh and his coat, Moses and the law, the blessing of Aaron, Samuel and the Word of the Lord, David, symbol of shepherds, the wisdom of Solomon, Elijah and the Raven, Elisha and healing, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah the builder, angels, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Virgin Mary, Magnificat, the birth of John the Baptizer, Joseph of Nazareth, the symbol of Bethlehem and the birth of the Lord. My only quibble with the list is that, in keeping with the geneology of Matthew, I would like to see Ruth included.
Rating:
Summary: A great family tradition
Review: When my now 22-31 year old children were very small...I stumbled across this book. Each night before dinner, we did the reading and prayer, and placed the ornament on a bare branch taken from one of our trees. Some nights were harder than others to make the time, (and to try to make sure that the beginning readers didn't have the longest and hardest readings!), but until they reached the college years, we did it! It is one of my fondest memories, as well as theirs. Now, I'm buying copies for their families...the roots grow deep when you plant with love.
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