... for Young and Old Alike
For the past few years our family has prepared for Christmas through the devotion of the Jesse Tree. The Tree of Jesse represents the genealogy of Jesus and has been recorded in the tradition of the church (through prayers, writing of the fathers/saints, and art history) for many centuries.
This Advent tradition begins with the scripture passage of Isaiah 11:1
A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
The Jesse Tree in art, then, begins with an old Jesse reclining, as if he has surrendered to his calling, and a branch is shown rising from his side -perhaps as a type of Adam bringing forth a new family line - one of obedience to God's will - making its way to Christ through Mary.
The Fathers of the Church wrote Latin hymns that refer to the tree of Jesse. In these prayers they speak of David (radix Jesse = the root of Jesse), the Virgin Mary (ex radice = branch or offshoot of the root of Jesse), and of Christ and Jesus (flos ex = flower that blossoms on the branch).
The tradition of the Jesse Tree devotion includes:
- an opening prayer,
- a reading for the day
- a symbol relating to the reading and
- a closing hymn
Prayer Suggestions:
- Advent Prayers and Collects
- The O Antiphons (December 17-23) (at Fisheaters.com)
- Is 9:1-6: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever." Amen
- Catholic Collect for the 1st Sunday in Advent: Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come,that by thy protection we may be rescued from the dangers that beset us through our sins; and be a Redeemer to deliver us; Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,ever one God, world without end. Amen.
- Catholic Collect for the 2nd Sunday in Advent: Stir up our hearts, O Lord,to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son:that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming:Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,ever one God, world without end. Amen.
- Catholic Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Advent: We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds:Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
- Catholic Collect for the 4th Sunday in Advent: Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:Assist us by that mighty power,so that by thy grace and merciful kindness we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:Who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit,ever one God, world without end. Amen.
- Example Set:The World is Created – World – Genesis 1
Adam and Eve – Snake and Apples – Genesis 3
Noah and the Flood – Rainbow – Genesis Chapter 7-9
Abraham – Camel – Genesis chapt. 12 and Gen chapter 15
Sarah – Baby – Genesis 21:1-21
Isaac – Ram – Genesis 22:1-14
Jacob – Ladder – Genesis 27:41-28:22
Joseph – Multicolored Coat – Genesis 37
Moses – Burning Bush – Exodus 3:1-14
Miriam – Tambourine – Exodus 15:19-21
Samuel – Lamp – 1 Samuel 3
Jesse – Branch – Isaiah 11:1
David – Harp – 1 Samuel 16
Solomon – Crown – 1 Kings 3
Isaiah – Throne – Isaiah 6
Jeremiah – Tablets of Law – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Angels – Angel – Hebrews 1:1-14
Malachi – Trumpet – Malachi 3:1-4 - Mary (annunciation)– Angel – Luke 1:26-38
Zechariah and Elizabeth (visitation)– Baby - Luke 1:39-56
John the Baptist – River – Matthew 3:1-6
Joseph of Nazareth – Hammer/Saw – Matthew 1:18-25
Bethlehem – Star – Matthew 2:1-12
Birth of Christ – Crib – Luke 2:1-14 - The Jesse Tree by Catherine Fournier at Domestic-Church.com: downloadable symbols with readings in .pdf or .gif format; arranged week by week.
- Jesse Tree Readings from the National Catholic Register: quotes from the RSV (cool!)
- Advent: The Jesse Tree: St. Michael the Archangel, a Catholic site dedicated to Catholic Culture, great links
- Online Jesse Tree: interactive, suggested reading, art piece, and short description per day.
- Jesse Tree Table of Readings: From Biblical and Theological Resources (A Methodist site - nice usable chart of readings - the one we use with slight variations.)
- Jesse Tree Readings and Symbols online in a nice, easy to follow format from Loyola Press. Reflections are very basic. The scripture sequence offered is helpful.
- Jesse Tree Instructions at Catholic Culture: offers a list of readings, ornaments to download, and some simple reflections (on the light side).
- Color Pages from Our Sunday Visitor. Nicely done symbols for kids
- Veni Veni Emmanuel / O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
- Rorate Coeli / Drop Down Dew of Heaven / Oh Heaven Send Your Rain
- Come, Thou long expected Jesus
- O Sanctissima
- Lo, How the Rose E'er Blooming
- The Jesse Tree Rev. Johann G. Roten, SM (a wonderful exposition of the following image)
- Examples of the Jesse Tree in Art
- Tree of Moscow Gorgeous iconic art piece
- 18th centrury Syria Jesse Tree
- Collection of Romanesque Trees of Jesse
- Examples of the Jesse Tree in Illuminated Manuscripts
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