During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior, and anticipate his promised Second Coming. And amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives (from Ignatian Spirituality.com).
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit, was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
*Illustrations by Carolyn Pikoulas for FAITH magazine
The Jesse tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus’ birth. The Jesse tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of King David. We adorn a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history (from Loyola Press).
During the Advent season, a Bible Story is read which relates to Jesus’ family or God’s people. After the Bible story is read and discussed, an ornament is placed on a tree – the Jesse Tree. This is often done from the beginning of Advent to Christmas Day.
A Jesse Tree can be used alongside an Advent calendar or in place of an Advent calendar. However, the Jesse Tree is purely sacred, as the heart of the Jesse Tree is JESUS!.
Traditionally the Bible stories corresponded with the readings from Daily Mass so the number of ornaments and the stories that were read changed from one year to the next. Therefore, you will find many different versions of the Jesse Tree. The one we are using begins on December 1, continues until December 25, and it can be used the same way every year.
Your Jesse Tree can be as simple or elaborate as you choose: a tree shape cut from paper and hung on your wall or refrigerator, twigs or evergreeen branches gathered from outside and secured in a jar or pot, a potted ficus you already have in your home, or a small artificial Christmas tree. You can print the ornaments provided onto cardstock and color them as a family, or the artists in your home may wish to draw their own. Whichever you choose, we hope that the Jesse Tree becomes a new and much loved tradition in your home as you anticipate Jesus’ birth!
December 6, 2020 - Second Sunday of Advent
December 13, 2020 - Third Sunday of Advent
December 20, 2020 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 25, 2020 - The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)
December 27, 2020 - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph