November 30, Jesse Tree

We decided to post the first day a little early, in case any one wanted to read ahead. :)

Day 1, November 30
Introduction of the Jesse Tree
Symbol- The Tree
Isaiah 11:3-10, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (David being anointed king)- these are Scriptures for additional reading

This is a very exciting time! Can you think of the special people in your life that you call Granna and Grandy, Grandma and Grandpa? They are all part of your family tree, your ancestors. Jesus had ancestors too, and we are going to spend the next month learning all about Jesus’ ancestors. The Bible tells us all about them in the Old Testament and the stories of their lives all point to Jesus and God’s plans from the beginning.
Tonight is the first night and tonight we are going to set up our tree. We will call it a Jesse Tree. Its name comes from these verses.

Isaiah 11:1-2
The Reign of Jesse’s Offspring
1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

These verses talk about Jesse’s son, David, who was a great king over Israel. But, they also point forward to Jesus, who was also a descendant of Jesse, who is the King of Kings. This was all part of God’s wonderful plan for us.
This season of Advent is about waiting and preparing our hearts for our King. David waited 40 years after he was anointed king before he became king. People waited many years for Jesus, our Savior, to come to earth. We wait expectantly now for Christmas to come, the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. We also wait expectantly for Jesus to come again. Let’s use the time that God has given us to prepare our hearts to worship Him and serve Him with gladness.

Questions:
What will we call our tree?
Who was David?
What are we waiting for?

Prayer: Dear God, help us to obey you as we wait patiently. Thank you for your wonderful plan.