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THE JESSE TREE

Text: Isaiah 11
16 December 2018

CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS IN ANCIENT EUROPE
Christmas was celebrated in many different ways in different countries. In ancient Europe and in early America, there was a practice of decorating what is called “The Jesse Tree.” This idea was inspired by what Isaiah wrote.

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.     Isaiah 11:2

  1. Jesse

a) He was the father of King David

b) His line was called “the stem of Jesse”

  1. A Rod/ A Branch

a) This is a reference to the Messiah

b) He would be the Messianic David

THE BUILDING OF A JESSE TREE     

Symbolic ornaments were hung on a tree during the Advent period leading to Christmas Day. The following things were added to decorate the tree.

  1. Decorations

a) These trace major events (Old Testament)

i)   Creation

ii)  Abraham

iii) The Exodus

b) New Testament

i)   Prophecies concerning the Lord Jesus Christ

ii)  Prophecies fulfilled

iii) Decorations were often hand-made crafts

  1. The focus of the Jesse Tree

a) To remember the significance of the event of the birth of Jesus

b) To prepare the heart for the celebration of Christmas

c) To appreciate the Lord Jesus in a fresh new way

  1. Home Jesse trees

a) The setting up of Jesse trees seems to have experienced a revival in the US

b) Many homes build their own Jesse trees to celebrate Christmas meaningfully

A HEART FULL OF GRATITUDE

How our hearts must be filled with gratitude as we celebrate Christmas yet again. Let us thank God for His grace and mercy and love in His profound divine plan to send the Saviour of the world- the Lord Jesus Christ! May He be the royal King of our life!