THE TRADITION OF THE JESSE TREE

"But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom."
- Isaiah 11:1

An increasingly popular Advent and Christmas tradition is the creation of a Jesse Tree. This special tree recreates the family tree of Jesus - beginning with Adam and Eve at the creation of the world. Each person on the Jesse Tree plays an important role in the story of Salvation History and is represented by a symbol, such as the burning bush for Moses.

Many families use the Jesse Tree as a type of Advent Calendar. It is an excellent way to engage children of all ages. Ornaments are usually added to the Jesse Tree from the bottom to the top, so little ones can start the tree, while older ones can hang higher ones as we get closer and closer to Christmas. The Jesse Tree is also an excellent educational tool. Encourage your children to study the symbols on each ornament, and then read together the related Bible passage or story. As we move through the four weeks of Advent, the Jesse Tree helps us to see clearly through the ages God's incredible plan to send Jesus as our Savior.

Jesse Tree Activity Kit Order Now $22.00 This terrific kit includes 24 paper ornaments with relevant Biblical passages to hang one per day, plus a 16-page booklet explaining the tradition, with suggested scripture readings and prayers. Each ornament measures 3.5" diameter.		Jesse Tree Kit Order Now $10.95 This do-it yourself kit allows children to color the paper ornaments and then add them to an actual tree or a poster. This kit also includes a short history, suggested Scripture verses for each ornament, and a Jesse Tree prayer service.		Jesse Tree Pewter Advent Wreath Order Now $42.95 Learn about a different person each night as you study the symbols and read the Scripture passages for the 28 panels of this unique Advent Wreath. A 4-page informational booklet tells the stories behind the symbols, and candles are included!

THE TRADITION OF THE CHRISTMAS NAIL

The season of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas, is closely tied to the season of Lent, which prepares us for Easter. Both seasons feature the liturgical color of purple, and both are a time of inward searching and waiting.

The tradition of the Christmas Nail is another way to tie the mystery of Christ's birth with the salvation He won for us at Easter. This metal nail is made in the style of those believed to have pierced Jesus' hands and feet as He was crucified. An intimate tradition, the hanging of the Christmas Nail helps Christian families remember the real meaning of Christmas. The ornament is snuggled deep within the tree, near the trunk, in a location only known by the family.

The Christmas Nail poem:

This is The Christmas Nail.
It is to be hung on a sturdy branch,
a branch near the trunk,
a branch that will hold such a spike without being noticed by well-wishers
dropping by to admire one's tinseled tree.
The nail is known only to the home that hangs it.
Understood only by the heart that knows its significance.
It is hung with the thought...that the Christmas tree but foreshadows the Christ-tree
which only He could decorate for us,
ornamented with nails as this.

The Original Christmas Nail Ornament Order Now $15.95 This metal nail comes in a gift box and is ready to hang with a red satin ribbon. Inside the gift box is the Christmas Nail Poem, and a listing of scriptural prophesies pertaining to the coming of the Messiah. Measures 7 3/4" in length.		The Pewter Edition Christmas Nail Ornament Order Now $22.95 This Pewter Edition is cast from the original 8" steel Christmas Nail. Inside the gift box is the Christmas Nail Poem, along with the story, "The Silver Season". Many families read this story as they hang the Christmas nail. Measures 7 3/4".

THE TRADITION OF A STOCKING FOR JESUS

When you decorate your home and hang your family's stockings - don't forget the Birthday Boy! Give Jesus a special place of honor with His own stocking, complete with His name embroidered in gold.

This wonderful tradition helps remind the whole family that Christmas is about more than giving material gifts. Throughout Advent, everyone is encouraged to look for ways to help each other in big and small ways - in obvious and in secret ways. Each of these gifts of love are written down and then stuffed into Jesus' stocking, along with little notes thanking God for blessings He has given through the year. On Christmas, family members can take turns reading the notes and wishing Jesus a happy birthday.

A Stocking For Jesus Order Now $19.95 This large, soft, velvet stocking is beautifully decorated with gold tassel and piping. Embroidered at the top is Jesus' name, along with a crown signifying Him as King. A deluxe gift card is provided for personalizing your offering to the Christ Child. The stocking measures 12"H.		A Stocking For Jesus - An Advent Story Order Now $7.95 A perfect way to teach children about the Stocking for Jesus, this charming picture book includes an actual punch-out stocking for Jesus. Also provided are symbolic "presents" on which you may record the acts of love and kindness your family will do for Christ's birthday.