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Root of Jesse
Happy 23rd Day of Advent 2022! In addition to Advent Calendars, another way we can mark the days in Advent is by using a Jesse Tree. The idea of the Jesse Tree is that stop and reflect on the the royal lineage (familial and spiritual) of Jesus. Each day leading to Christmas you hang an ornament that symbolizes a piece of the story of God’s unfolding work that leads to the Birth of Christ. There are also scripture verses associated with the symbol. About five years ago I began this practice and I really enjoy this tradition. I purchased some really darling wooden Jesse Tree ornaments on Etsy . No affiliate marketing here; I just wanted to share that these ornaments were lovely and so was the shop keeper. If you are interested, check out the Jesse Tree Treasures at at that link.
My Jesse Tree is a small artificial table top tree that I sent years ago as a gift to my PopPop Cliff. He really liked Christmas trees but could no longer manage to put one up. I found this tree, which already came decorated with miniature lights and ornaments.I sewed a little drawstring keeper bag that doubled as a tree skirt. At the end of the season, all he had to do was pull the little red bag up around the tree, pull the drawstring, and put it in the hall closet. I sent this to him and he loved it. Once he passed away, I inherited it. I am so happy to have this treasured tree that is part of my family story.
Although my little ornaments are fairly new, the idea of the Jesse Tree is quite old. There are many representations of it in christian art. For example, the Jesse Tree Rose window (shown here) from St. Denis’ cathedral in France is just one of the many ways that Jesus’ family tree is depicted. The point is that Jesus, like all of us, has a family history and a history in which God is working. Jesus is God and at the same time, He is man. He comes from a royal lineage and his birth was foretold over a long period of time by the prophets.
The O Antiphon sung today celebrates this royal lineage. The hymn says that before Him the “kings will shut their mouths.” I find this humorous as rarely do you find political leaders with a shortage of words.I understand this to mean they are surprised beyond words. When Jesus comes on the last day we all will be in awe.
Below is the antiphon for the day: O Radix Jesse, December 19
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you nations will make their prayer: come and deliver us, and delay no longer.
See: Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 45:14, Isaiah 52:15, Micah 5:2, Romans 15:12
+The Anglican Anchoress