Friday, November 27: The Jesse Tree
Ornament: The Tree


The Jesse Tree was created to help people link the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading up to Jesus birth. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees actually predates the arrival of Christianity in western Europe and was adopted by the early Church. In order to associate the custom more clearly with Christianity, people made Jesse Trees—Christmas trees with decorations related to the events of Jesus' birth and the prophecies about him in the Old Testament. Many parishes and families make Jesse Trees during Advent to remind them of these events as they prepare for Christmas.

The story of Jesse, the father of David, is told in Isaiah 11:1-10.
David's story is found in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. 

Saturday, November 28: Adam and Eve
Ornament: Tree with Fruit or Apple

Adam and Eve and the First Sin

Genesis 3 tells how Adam and Eve's intimacy with God and with each other is disrupted. The serpent enters the scene. The serpent represents anything that can separate a person from God. The woman, with the man as her silent partner, speaks to the serpent. They examine the possibility of disobeying God. Will Adam and Eve accept God's moral order and trust in his love?

Adam and Eve — Genesis 2:4-24
The Fall of Adam and Eve — Genesis 3

 

This information is excerpted from The Stories of the Old Testament: A Catholic's Guide by Jim Campbell.