The Jesse Tree

As the Christmas trees begin to adorn our space, we wanted to draw special attention to the tree in the Reception Area. This tree of significance was sponsored by our Mothers’ Cub who worked in partnership with the Office of Mission and Ministry. The Jesse Tree has strong roots within the Catholic faith and depicts the lineage (family tree) of Jesus and the Prophecies of Jesus’ birth. If you look closely, there are 25 colorful ornaments on the tree. The story begins in Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”

We want to offer special thanks to the Mercy Mother’s Club for bringing this tradition to Mercy. Each ornament was sponsored for $25 with proceeds benefiting our Kairos retreat.

We invite you to journey along with our Jesse Tree beginning December 1st. The related scripture passages are below.

December 1: Earth - The Light in Creation - Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-4

December 2: Apple - Adam and Eve - Genesis 3:1-24

December 3: Rainbow Inside the Ark - Genesis 6:5-8, 7:17-23, 9:16, Romans 6:23

December 4: Tent  - The Call to Abram - Genesis 12:1-7

December 5: Camel - Count the Stars - Genesis 12:2

December 6: Ladder- Jabco’s Ladder - Genesis 28:10-17

December 7: Lamb - Isaac and the Lamb - Genesis 22:1-13, John 1:29b

December 8: Commandments - Moses and the 10 Commandments - Exodus 32:15-18, 20:1-20, Psalm 119:11

December 9: Coat - Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors - Genesis 37:3-36, 50:18-21, Romans 8:28

December 10: Wheat- Ruth and Boaz - Ruth 1:16, 2:5-7, 4:14

December 11: Noah’s Ark - Noah and his family Genesis 6:9

December 12: Scroll - Jacob Finds the Law - 2 Kings 23:1-3, Psalm 119:105

December 13: Stump - Prophecy of Shoot from the Stump of Jesse - Isaiah 11:1-5, John 1:14a

December 14: Lion - Prophecy of the Lion and the Lamb - Isaiah 11:6-10

December 15: Dove - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6-7, John 14:27

December 16: Hammer - He can’t stay away - Matthew 1:23

December 17: Cross - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53: Luke 2:8-18, John 19:11-18, 10:15

December 18: Heart - Prophecy of the New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31-34, Acts 16:31

December 19: Tower - The Warrior Leader - Joshua 3 & 6

December 20: Fire - The Exile - Daniel 3:19-29, Jeremiah 1:8

December 21: Brick - The Return to the Land - Nehemiah 1:3, 2:18, 6:15, 16 Malachi 3:1, Revelation 22:20

December 22: Crown - The True King - 1 Samuel 16

December 23: Candle - The Light of the World - Luke 1:26-38, 2:32, John 8:12

December 24: Angel - Angels Proclaiming the Coming of Christ - Hebrews 1:14, Luke 2:8:14, Romans 6:23

December 25: The Baby Jesus - The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-10, John 3:16 -17

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen. (Henri J.M. Nouwen)