Jessica, Jinny and JT www.familyfaithlife.org

Hello Parents! The Family Faith Life Ministry is so excited to have you taking part in our Advent Faith Together journey! Parents have the most important role in their child’s life - to pass on faith. We know fro years and years of research that faith is caught, not taught. By actively engaging with your children through Scripture reading and discussion, prayer, worship and service on a regular basis you are passing on the BEST gift you can give - faith in Jesus Christ. Our kids are watching us all of the time, whether we like it or not! So, let’s help them catch a life-long faith in Jesus Christ! We pray that this Advent season is one of a lasting ritual and tradition in your home to read Scripture, to pray together and to talk about faith issues. Thank you for coming along on this journey with us! Blessings! Jessica, Jinny and JT Family Faith Life Team Living Word Lutheran Church www.familyfaithlife.org www.livingwordkaty.org

What is the Jesse Tree?

Junior High

Think of a Jesse Tree as a sort of Advent calendar, except that in addition to a countdown to Christmas, you go through a family devotion in the Bible, starting with creation and ending with the birth of Jesus. It’s geared towards the kids, so the devotional times are short, easy, and visual.

1. Even though we know that the manger wasn’t like the barn we see in many pictures, it was still a rough birthplace. What do you think God was trying to communicate by having Jesus born in these circumstances?

How Does it Work?

2. Read Numbers 24:17 and Matthew 2:2 –12. How did Jesus’ birth fulfill this prophecy? Was Jesus still a baby when the Magi came to give him gifts?

Every evening from December 1 to December 25, the family reads a Bible story, talks through some questions, and hangs the appropriate ornament on the Jesse Tree. The devotions walk chronologically through the Bible, highlighting historical moments that lead to the birth of Jesus. 



First, create a table altar, by placing an altar cloth, Jesse tree, weekly devotions, and Bible at the center of the table where your family eats meals together. Make this a priority! Agree upon a set time every day you can gather together to work through this handout. (Hint: Meal times can be natural time to do this.)



Make this a holy time. Turn off the TV, cell phones and other distractions that take you away from growing in your relationship to each other and to God.



Create opportunity for your family to participate in this daily tradition - even young children can listen to the stories, help create your table altar and say a prayer that parents repeat.

The Story of the Jesse Tree The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expected messiah (for example, Jer 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God.

3. Shepherds were the lowest of the low and many people didn’t even speak to them. Do you think they had a moment of disbelief when the angels appeared to them over others? Do you think any of them stayed in the fields with the sheep? 4. What is your favorite part of the Christmas story?

High School 1. Merry Christmas! For many people, the words of this text are very familiar. So familiar that they can often lose their meaning. Read it carefully. What is your favorite part of this passage? 2. As you read carefully, was there anything that surprised you? Any element of the story or detail that you didn’t realize was in there? Is there anything missing that you always thought was part of the story? 3. The last verse (Verse 21) specifically mentions that they named this baby Jesus. The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name “Yeshua”, sometimes also translated “Joshua”. It means “to rescue or deliver”. Does your name have any special significance to you or your family? Do you know someone whose name has a story behind it?

2. If you were an unmarried 14 year old girl, and were told you were about to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit, what would your reaction be? What was Mary’s reaction?

Daily Format (except for Sundays):

3. Read Luke 1:46-56. This is commonly referred to as “Mary’s Magnificat”. Historian Thomas Cahill refers to it as “The most muscular poem in all of ancient literature”. Can you see anything in it that might have challenged those in power?

2. Read Bible story for the day.

1. Gather around the Jesse Tree with ornament and Bible.

3. Answer questions: - Where do you see God in this story? - Who are you most like in this story?

December 23

4. Hang the corresponding ornament on the tree

John the Baptist (prepare the way) Mark 1:1-8

5. Prayer - “Jesus, I am sorry for… Jesus, please help… Jesus, thank you for…”

December 24

December 1 Creation Genesis 1:1-2:3

Journey to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-5

December 25 Jesus is born Luke 2:6-21

Preschool 1. What is your favorite animal God created? 2. Draw a picture of your favorite animal.

Preschool

Elementary

1. Happy Birthday Jesus! Sing “Happy Birthday” to our Lord and Savior.

1. What animals and plants that God created are your favorite? Why?

2. Read the story together by acting it out. Include everyone in your home on this special day - let the kids pick first who will be Jesus, animals, Mary and Joseph. Another way to tell the story is to use stuffed animals, Little People—get creative!

2. Write a letter or draw a picture telling God thank you for what He has created.

Elementary 1. Happy Birthday Baby Jesus! Ask your parents to tell you about the day you were born. How was it like when Jesus was born and how was it different? 2. What do you wonder about in Jesus’ birth story?

Jr. High 1. Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in this passage? 2. Do you think God knew what Adam and Eve would do when He created the world? Did Jesus? 3. Read Gen 3:15 This is when God first promised that a Savior would come. Find the reference in that verse to Jesus defeating Satan by dying on the cross.

High School

December 22

1. In your opinion, what is the most meaningful or interesting part of this story?

Mary Luke 1:26-38

2. Why do you think God rested after he finished creating? What could this mean for your life? 3. Since Advent is preparation for the Birth of Jesus, which occurs in the New Testament, we often think that Jesus is someone who comes on the scene pretty late in the story. Read John 1:1-4, 14. What does it say about Jesus existence?

December 2 Garden of Eden Genesis 2:4-3:13

Preschool 1. When Mary found out she would be Jesus’ mom, she was scared at first. Show me a scared face. 2. After she realized it would be God’s son, she was happy and sang a song to God. Sing your favorite Sunday School song to God.

Elementary 1. How would you feel if an angel appeared in your room?

December 3

2. What kinds of things is Mary talking about in this special song to God?

Noah Genesis 6:11-22; 7:17-8:3; 9:8-17

Jr. High

December 4

1. Mary risked her life to be Jesus’ mother. Who else in Jesus’ family tree took big chances?

Abraham Genesis 12:1-7; 15:1-6

2. Read Isaiah 7:14 Do you think Mary thought about this when the angel came to her?

December 5

3. Read Luke 1:46 – 55 What is Mary’s main point? FYI this passage is called The Magnificat. Why is it named that?

Isaac Genesis 22:1-19

High School

December 6 Jacob Genesis 28:1-17

December 7 Joseph Genesis 42:1-45:15

1. In the days just before Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people were oppressed. The Roman Empire conquered their land with a powerful army, and ruled the world from modern day England to India. They were taxed heavily to pay for Caesar’s army, and forced to work for him against their will. Even their own Jewish governors were imposing heavy taxes on them. They needed some kind of revolution to give them hope! God decided to answer their prayers, so he sent an angel to announce his plan to… a 14 year old girl? If you were going to start a revolution, what kind of person(s) would you start with?

3. David went on to be considered the greatest king in all of Israel’s history. The writers of Jesus’ story make a big deal out of him being a descendant of David. Yet, David was guilty of some pretty shady things. Read 2 Samuel 11:1-26, and consider some of the other figures you’ve read about this month. How strange is it to think that those people are the kinds of folks in Jesus family tree?

December 16 Solomon 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28

December 8 Moses Exodus 2:1-10

Preschool 1. Find a baby doll, go into bathroom and pretend the tub is the river. Act out the story you just read. 2. What is your favorite part of this story?

Elementary 1. What do you think the princess was thinking when she saw the baby floating in the water?

December 17 Josiah 2 Kings 23:21-23

December 18 Elijah and the prophets of Baal I Kings 18:17-39

December 19 Daniel Daniel 6

December 20 Jonah Jonah 1:1-4:11

December 21 Joseph (Jesus’ dad) Matthew 1:18-25

2. What part of this story makes you happy or sad? Tell why.

Jr. High 1. Was it a coincidence that the princess was bathing in the river when Moses floated by? What would have happened if the princess had not taken him in? How do you think Moses felt about getting a new family? 2. How do you think Moses felt when he grew older, living as a prince while his family suffered? Do you think it was hard for him to call down the plagues? 3. Read Ex 4 – 15 Where is the lineage of Jesus referenced in this passage? Moses does not seem to be thrilled with the task God gave him. How do you think you would feel in his place?

High School 1. Some of the most extraordinary figures in history have an interesting story surrounding their birth. Can you think of anyone else whose birth was a crazy story? Are there any stories your family tells about when you were born? 2. Why did Moses mother put him in a basket in the river? (See Exodus 1:15-22) What would you have done in that situation?

3. Even though Moses isn’t in Jesus’ family tree, his story is important to the story of God’s people. Read Matthew 2:1316 about what happened to Jesus shortly after his birth, and the visit of the Wise Men. How is that event similar to what happened to Moses?

December 15 David Samuel 16: 1-13

Preschool

December 9 Passover Exodus 12:1-39

December 10 Ruth Ruth 1:16, 17

December 11 Rahab Joshua 2:9 – 13

December 12

1. David is chosen to be the king of the Israelites. David is related to Jesus who we call King. Find some paper, markers, stickers and tape and make a crown to remind us of this story.

Elementary 1. Imagine David’s surprise when he, the youngest brother, is chosen to be the next king! Has anyone ever told you that you were too young to do something? Tell us about the situation. 2. David is a king who is part of Jesus’ family tree. Why do you think that is important? Why would God want David to be a relative of Jesus?

Jr. High 1. Why was Jesse surprised when Samuel didn’t choose any of the sons that were at his house?

Joshua Joshua 1:1 – 9

2. Is David the first unlikely person in Jesus’ lineage? If not, who else surprised you?

December 13

3. Read Luke 1:30-33 What is the connection between David and Jesus in addition to the physical lineage?

Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-18

High School

December 14 Jesse 1 Samuel 16:1-13

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:12-51 David’s defeat of Goliath is probably the most famous story of his life. But David wasn’t even a soldier! According to the passage, what was David actually doing when he decided to go up against Goliath? 2. How did David’s lowly job as a shepherd prepare him to be able to defeat Goliath (verses 33-37)? Is it possible that the menial chores in your life are preparing you for something great?