JESSE TREE SYMBOLS - steas.net

JESSE TREE SYMBOLSADVENT - 2020

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First Sunday in Advent2

Bible Reading:1 Samuel 16:1-13

Jesse was the father of David who was the great king of the Jewish People. Jesus was born from this royal line in Bethlehem, the ancient city of David. “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

What do we mean when we say: “O come, O come, EMMANUEL”?

Prayer: O come, O come Emmanuel. Come save the whole family of humankind.

Nov. 29th, 2020

First Week in Advent - Monday3

Bible Reading:Genesis 1:24-28

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established, what are human beings that you are mindful of them…?” (Psalm 8)People are a reflection of God.

How many forms of life can you name? How are we different than all of them?

Prayer: O God, from whom all life comes, teach us to love and respect life in all its forms, shapes and colors.

Nov. 30th, 2020

First Week in Advent - Tuesday4


The root of sin in all its forms: self-centeredness – my needs are more important than yours. Adam and Eve wanted to follow their own wills and NOT God’s Will. Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

The devil made something evil look good…it’s just an apple. How can we make ourselves stronger to resist the temptation of the devil?

Prayer: O God, from whom all life comes, teach us to love and respect life in all its forms, shapes and colors.

Dec. 1st, 2020

First Week in Advent - Wednesday5

Bible Reading:Genesis 6:11-22; 8:6-12

Noah’s construction of the ark shows how God inspires people to use their talents to preserve life. God saved Noah and his family because they were faithful and trusted in God’s care.

Noah and his family were saved from the great flood. Talk about what Noah must have felt building the ark? Talk about your talents.

Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for the talents you have given to us.

Dec. 2nd, 2020

First Week in Advent - Thursday6

Bible Reading:Genesis 12:1-7; 13:2-18

Abraham, our Father in Faith, trusted in God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. His example of trust and faith in God should show us that we need to trust God in all aspects of our lives.

How is Abraham an example to us? What are ways we can trust in God’s promises.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to follow the path that you have in mind for us and trust that you are leading us to You.

Dec. 3rd, 2020

First Week in Advent - Friday7


Faith is the conviction that “the Lord will provide” even when we can’t see that. Abraham loved God but also loved Isaac. Did he love God enough to give up his son? We see that God the Father does that in the New Testament. Faith is easy when life is easy. When life is hard, do we know that “the Lord will provide”?

Do we trust only when things are going well? How can we help each other in our family when things are difficult?

Prayer: When things are tough, help us, Jesus to know that you are always with us no matter what.

Dec. 4th, 2020

First Week in Advent - Saturday8

Bible Reading:Genesis 27:41 – 28:22

Jacob and Esau were twins and they both wanted Isaac’s blessing. Jacob was sent away to his uncle. On the way, Jacob had his dream about the ladder reaching to Heaven. When Jacob returned, he and his brother, Esau, were reconciled.

What kind of dreams do we have? We can dream about using our talents in the future. How can we use our dream to glorify God?

Prayer: Put in our minds, dear Lord, dreams and desires that are pleasing to you. Help us to achieve them with your Grace.

Dec. 5th, 2020

Second Sunday in Advent9

Bible Reading:Isaiah 9:2-7Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah declared that God would send a Savior to the world. Many names and symbols have been given to Jesus. In the Bible, light symbolizes God entering into the world. We use candles on our altars to remind us the Jesus is the Light of the World. The rose reminds us of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 35:1) that the desert shall blossom as the rose at the coming of the Lord.

Reflect on the many names of Jesus in the prayer.

Prayer: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace: we praise and bless your holy name, Son of David, Branch of Jesse, Emmanuel, Good Shepherd, Light of the World: guide us and help us, we pray.

Dec. 6th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Monday10


The coat that Jacob made for Joseph was a princely symbol. This coat reveals the choice of a successor. Joseph’s brothers were jealous because of Joseph’s dreams and sold him into slavery. Joseph ended up in Egypt. God used this circumstance to have Joseph in Egypt in order to save his family and the Jewish People.

How did God use a bad situation in the life of Joseph to bring about something good? When families have struggles, what can we do?

Prayer: Help us to learn to live together in peace, O Lord, and keep us from provoking others to jealousy.

Dec. 7th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Tuesday11

Bible Reading:Exodus 20:1-17

Moses led the Jewish people to Mt. Sinai. God gave to all peoples His Law: The Ten Commandments. People can choose to break those laws; but, our Catholic Faith has the Sacrament of Penance when we sin. The Ten Commandments are laws of love.

Take time to talk about the Commandments with your children and how to follow God’s laws of love.

Prayer: We thank thee, Lord, for people like Moses who are able to break through injustice and lead us to a better society. O Lord, please bless our country.

Dec. 8th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Wednesday12

Bible Reading:Numbers 6:22-27

Aaron, brother of Moses, was high priest of Israel. He was responsible for the religious practice among the people. It took him 40 years of desert-dwelling and numerous mistakes (like the golden calf) to develop a religion and a people ready to enter into the land of Canaan.

What does our Catholic Faith mean to you and your family? Take time to reread the blessing of Aaron.

Prayer: Almighty God, the source and goal of every person, care for us as you did the Israelite people.

Dec. 9th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Thursday13


Samuel is considered Israel’s first prophet. Prophets speak for the Lord. The prophet’s word may breathe faith and hope or instruct, chastise and inspire change.

What do we need most of all from God? How can we learn to be open to hear God’s word to us….”Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Prayer: Hail Mary, Mother of Jesus, help us to listen to God’s Word and say as you did, “Behold the Handmaid of the Lord, Let it be done to me according to Thy Will.”

Dec. 10th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Friday14


One of David’s greatest achievements is the Psalms. From the depths of his soul, he is able to express his faith in all facets of his life. He has helped countless millions over 3000 years. The Psalms have expressed praise, joy, contrition, sorrow, abandonment to God as well as Thanksgiving. The Psalms give us a perfect way to meditate on the depths of God’s love in all avenues of our life.

Reflect on your favorite Psalm. Read it together as a family.

Prayer: O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things (Psalm 98:1). Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits (Psalm 103:2).

Dec. 11th, 2020

Second Week in Advent - Saturday15

Bible Reading:Psalm 23

The image of shepherd has been how we see God in this Psalm. It brings to mind that God, our Creator, is concerned for the individual. He is mindful of all our needs, wants and desires. He will protect us from harm and will lead us to green grass and calm waters. He will feed his flock and gather the lambs in his arms. Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16).

Why do you think Jesus uses the metaphor I am the Good Shepherd?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for always looking out for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep. When we are lost, thank you for seeking us out and bringing us back to the fold.

Dec. 12th, 2020

Third Sunday in Advent16

Bible Reading:1 Kings 3:3-28

Solomon built the great temple. He is also know for his wisdom. But Christ’s comment about the lilies of the field: “Even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these (Matthew 6:29). Jesus said that wisdom and trust in God is even beyond Solomon in all his glory.

How can we have increase our knowledge of God? How can prayer increase our trust in God’s providence?

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to open our minds and hearts to learn more about you and trust in your Goodness.

Dec. 13th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Monday17


Christians from ancient times have seen a religious interest in animal characters. St. Francis of Assisi expressed this in his hymn, “All creatures of our God and King.” The story of Elijah and the raven is the same story. The raven, by God’s decree, brought Elijah bread in the desert.

How do pets/animals help people? How should we treat our pets/animals?

Prayer: O God, help us to always remember that you not only love people but all of the creatures you have created. Guide us to love and respect all of creation, especially the animals.

Dec. 14th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Tuesday18


Elisha was a prophet widely known for his ability to heal. Jesus showed himself as a Healer of the body and the soul. The symbol pictures a dove, representing the Spirit who is the agent of healing, and a hand extended in blessing, represents the healing power of God.

What small acts of kindness can we do to heal people: physically, emotionally and spiritually?

Prayer: Lord, teach us to take care of our bodies because they are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Dec. 15th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Wednesday19

Bible Reading:Isaiah 6:1-8

The book of Isaiah is full of comfort and hope in its prophecies of the Messiah. The vision of Isaiah 6 has been a part of the Christian liturgy for more than 15 centuries. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 9:1) ”. What comfort and hope that verse gives us!

What small acts of kindness can we do to heal people: physically, emotionally and spiritually?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for our Holy Bible, which gives us comfort and hope in every page.

Dec. 16th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Thursday20

Bible Reading:Jeremiah 31:31-34

Here is the prophecy that was fulfilled by Christ through establishment of the New Testament or covenant. The old covenant, which was God’s Law, was broken many times. Laws are necessary to protect people. Jesus came to write the law on our hearts. He invites us to follow the law because of love!

How does Jesus fulfill the Old Testament? How do laws help people?

Prayer: Grant your Holy Spirit to us, O God, and write your law on our hearts.

Dec. 17th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Friday21

Bible Reading:Nehemiah 13:10-22

When the Jews returned to Jerusalem after the captivity in Babylonia (606-536 BC), the Sabbath day became very important to the Jewish People. Sabbath and synagogue became a religious of “do’s and don’ts”; the Jewish leaders established a system of weekly worship for the people. Without this system, religion would have been a “private affair”. Nehemiah and his associates recognized the weakness of “religion when I feel like it.”

What benefits come from regular church attendance? How does sporadic attendance affect a person’s faith?

Prayer: O God, help us to realize that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from you.

Dec. 18th, 2020

Third Week in Advent - Saturday22

Bible Reading:Hebrews 1:1-14

The thought of an angel conjures up a variety of images in our minds. A child intuitively grasps its meaning faster than an adult. An angel is a messenger, usually a message of good news. We may call a nurse an “angel of mercy” or when we want to express confidence in God’s care, we pray “Let your holy angel have charge over us”. Angels are a way of saying that the Creator is with us in many ways.

How does God use angels to bring comfort? How can I become an “angel of mercy”?

Prayer: Grant me faith to know that your angels are all around us, guiding and protecting us.

Dec. 19th, 2020

Fourth Sunday in Advent23

Bible Reading:Luke 1:5-25

The father of John the Baptizer was a priest for the Jewish people. Unfortunately, he found it difficult to accept the good news of something so hard to believe. God comes to people in many ways. Because we are busy in our lives, sometimes we are unaware of God’s coming. Thoughts, noises and busyness of life sometimes drown out God’s quiet voice. We need to listen for God speaking to us through His Word and His Church.

How can we “slow down” in order to listen to God’s voice?

Prayer: For the gift of life, for the joys of parenthood, for the blessings of family and for your promised salvation, we thank you.

Dec. 20th, 2020

Fourth Week in Advent – Monday Morning24


The time has come for the prophecies of old to be fulfilled. God’s promise to send the Savior is about to occur. As Isaiah had said, “The Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). We give special honor to Mary. By her example of motherhood, she is called blessed. Her son received his humanity from her.

How is Mary an example of Faith? Name a special devotion you have with the Virgin Mary.

Prayer: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).

Dec. 21st, 2020

Fourth Week in Advent – Monday Evening25

Bible Reading:Luke 1:39-56We call Mary’s beautiful song the “Magnificat.” In a moment of exalted inspiration, she broke into a song of praise to God. Her song is similar to Hannah when she presented her child, Samuel, to serve the Lord with Eli (1Samuel 2:1-10). In both we find aspirations of all people for justice, equality, mercy, righteousness, strength and abundance. This is the salvation that is brought by Jesus entering into human history. Salvation means that God, the source of our very being provides all that is needed for renewal.

Reread the Magnificat and discuss each line as a family.

Prayer: There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2).

Dec. 21st, 2020

Fourth Week in Advent – Tuesday Morning26

Bible Reading:Luke 1:57-80The birth of John the baptizer was an event of great joy to his parents and their friends. His parents were quite elderly and had no other children. John was a child of promise. Zechariah gave credit to God, recalling his vision at the altar. John was six months older than Jesus. They were both about 30 years old when they began their public ministries: John preaching repentance and Jesus preaching the Good News. It was at the river Jordan that John baptized his cousin, Jesus.

Recall and discuss your Baptism. Talk with your children about the importance of this Sacrament.

Prayer: Make us more grateful for homes and families and for the opportunities we have to serve you, O God.

Dec. 22nd, 2020

Fourth Week in Advent – Tuesday Evening27

Bible Reading:Matthew 1:18-25

The character of Joseph is revealed in this story. His first response was his concern for self, then his overpowering concern was for Mary. Joseph had many inner struggles but the acceptance of his role as husband and foster father of Jesus came about through the angel’s voice in a dream. Joseph’s love for Mary and his trust in God makes him an example for every father.

Name Joseph’s qualities. How was Joseph an example of fatherhood?

Prayer: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).

Dec. 22nd, 2020

Fourth Week in Advent - Wednesday28

Bible Reading:Matthew 2:1-12

The Christmas story is full of wonder and awe. The significance of the star led the magi to Christ. They acknowledged him as a King, God and the Suffering Servant. They offered him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These men knew that He was going to be the Light to all the nations.

Gifts are often given for special occasions. Discuss the different motives in giving a gift: love, joy, selflessness, obligation, fear of offending, expectation of a return, etc.

Prayer: Dawn upon our hearts and minds, Lord Jesus, that we may see more clearly the road that leads to a new day.

Dec. 23rd, 2020

Christmas Eve29


The time of fulfillment is here. Jesus is born in Bethlehem. Angels announce his birth to the lowly shepherds. All of Heaven and Earth adore Him.

We kneel in awe that a Father would love us so much that He would send His Only Son to redeem us. Think about Mary and Joseph looking upon God made man.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we join our voices in praise and grateful thanksgiving that you loved us so much to plan Salvation History for this moment in time.

Dec. 24th, 2020

Christmas Day30

Bible Reading:John 1:1-18

O, come let us adore Him. O, come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him---Christ the Lord!

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Prayer: We worship you, Lord Jesus, Our Savior and our Brother. We yearn to know you better until we are with you for all eternity in Heaven.

Dec. 25th, 2020

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