The season of Advent officially began last Sunday, November 27 and ends, officially, on Christmas Eve when the birth of Christ is celebrated.
I wrote a book called “Advent Adventure: A Devotional Guide.” In it are patterns for Old Testament ornaments for use on a Jess Tree. the Bible says Jesus came from “the root of Jesse” so that’s where the term comes from. These ornaments include such Old Testament Biblical stories as Noah’s Ark, Jacob’s ladder, the Jewish star, David’s harp, sheep, the Ten commandment tablets, and other such symbols which tell God’s story of preparation for Jesus’s birth and the reason we need a Savior.
The New Testament sketches include various iterations of the cross, the shepherd’s crook, fish, the stable, of course, and the symbols relating to the Trinity.
In all, there are patterns for over thirty ornaments. They are useful in telling young children the true message of Christmas, and for adults, they relate the stories.
On traditional crismon trees, (not Chrismon, by the way), the ornaments are white and gold. You can search the history of this movement on your own. Many churches decorate their Christmas trees, if they use them, with crismond and jesse tree ornaments. Just thought you might like to know.
On the four Sundays of Advent, many churches and families use Advent wreaths to designate hope, faith, and love. Christmas Eve the last candle is lit, representing the Holy Child. There are verses to be read and songs to be sung, and sometimes specific prayers.
Some families use advent calendars to count down the days to Christmas with a small gift or candy for each day. These are not usually Christian symbols but can help children get excited, as if they are not already, about the coming of Christmas.
While these, the tinsel, and all are fun, let us remember Jesus is the reason for the season, and advent is to get ready for that celebration.
It has another meaning. It is time to prepare for Jesus’s second coming, when the rule of Jesus begins and the devil is slain forever. Make this advent a time for soul searching and deciding what your fate will be after this mortal life ends. This is the time to prepare for that eventuality.
John 3:16 puts it this way: “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will have life everlasting.” Ask a Christian you know to testify how great it is to know the Savior personally. He’s not just a baby in a manger. www.bettyjackson.net or amazon.com
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