Jesse Tree AT A GLANCE :: Jonah Hides to Mary and Joseph

We have rounded the half-way point of the Jesse Tree and every day are inching closer to the pinnacle of the story–the keeping of a promise–Jesus.

Only twelve days until Christmas.

Whether you have joined us this month from the beginning or just now are jumping into the Jesse Tree–welcome!

It is not too late to take some time focusing on the true meaning of Christmas this season with your family.

At this point in the month, the “to do” list starts pressing in, Christmas activities and school parties are piling up, and the joy of the season can be squashed with the stress of it all.

All the more reason for each one of our families to continue to make God’s Word a priority–a sacred meeting time in His presence, drawing strength and purpose from His love and His great plan to rescue us.

Praying we each rest in His love and remember He draws near to us.

Here is our week at a glance…there are some great memories to be made this week!

Jonah Hides

“Nothing God created is hidden from him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us accountable for everything we do.” Hebrews 4:13

Play a big game of hide and seek Jonah style! Take a blanket and swallow them up when you find them.

Remind them that God always sees them.

He is the real “elf on the shelf,” not looking to report back if you are naughty or nice, but looking at you in love. And when we have Jesus, God is looking at us in full acceptance too.

The Coming Light

“The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2

Our family tradition is to go look at Christmas lights on the night of this story. We read the story in the car on the way to look at lights, and then celebrate how beautiful it is that Jesus is the light of the world!

Daniel and the Lions Den

“He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the heavens and on the earth. He has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:27

When my kids start to get a little ancy, I pull out the play doh to let the kids make what they hear. Here is what my son and I created for a lion.

As you can see–my husband is the artistic inspiration for the family!

Queen Esther

“Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this.” Esther 4:14

I love to let my kids each pick a story to lead on their own. My daughter picked this story and proceeded to have us draw a chalk picture to remember the story.

I have found that when my kid’s have an idea of something that is exciting to them, to go with it–even when I think I have a better idea or I don’t want to change my plan. They get more invested in the story and learn far more than if I had done things my own way.

God’s Messengers

“But I will still be glad because of what the Lord has done. God my Savior fills me with joy.” Habakkuk 3:18

Climb up on a slide at the park. Pretend it is a watchtower and wait for the coming of the Lord.

God’s messengers were faithful to share the message of hope that a Savior would be born. Many disagreed, but their steadfast trust remained.

Wrap up a present under the tree that is empty–but serves as a reminder that the greatest gift is Jesus.

John the Baptist

“I baptize you with water. But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8

Have a conversation with your kiddos about what baptism means.

Let them try a spoonful of honey to give the sense of taste for how sweet it was to trust in Jesus. (And live as John lived!)

Mary and Joseph

“You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:31

Oh, I absolutely love these two accounts of the angel appearing to Mary and then to Joseph.

I always bring out my favorite childhood ornament for this story–my macaroni angel. It is my most beloved ornament and my kids like it just as much as I do.

We hang it on the tree with our Jesse Tree with thanksgiving that Mary and Joseph were faithful to trust the Lord with the responsibility of being the earthly parents of Jesus.

Have a great week spending time with your family in God’s Word, and staying faithful to the privilege God has given you.

We are praying for you and the hearts of your children to know God more!