The Great Jesse Tree Adventure

So, Advent is probably my favorite  time of the year (aside from, maybe, Holy Week). I was raised in a household that has held the exact same Christmastime traditions for the last 22 years, so "ritual," I would say, has become really important to me.

As Advent approaches, I've been giving serious consideration to making a Jesse Tree, a small tree with hanging ornaments that commemorate some aspect of Jesus's history, from Creation all the way to the birth of the Messiah. Jesse Trees have a pretty diverse background, but--as far as I can tell--have been celebrated since the middle ages. 

This evening, Alyssa and I made a short trip to Hobby Lobby to buy the ornaments and the base for the tree. I want to make the actual tree out of limbs, to give it a more rugged, outdoorsy look. Tonight, we drilled the holes and stained the wood. 

I'll keep you updated as this project progresses. If all goes well (I'm sure you know how badly I procrastinate), I would like to post a short devotional each night we add an ornament to the tree, starting around the first Sunday of Advent. That way, you folks can celebrate right along with us!

I don't say this often enough, but I love you all.

Peace,

Joshua