The year end descends upon us. Family gatherings and holidays are being planned (and agonised over…). Traditions to be kept, culture to be observed and family ties … to be cemented. As the clan gathers, the wiser generation would regale the young with stories of yesteryears – stories that give the young ‘uns a clearer picture of whence they came. “Back in my day…” would be oft heard during those days of merry-making. Yes, and they may just start to comprehend why Aunty Felicia ignores Great-grandaunt Bee Choo. You may be surprised to learn that even Jesus’ lineage had episodes that were not God-pleasing but those stories are part of our Saviour’s God-ordained ancestral history. And some of them may hold a mirror to ours.
This Advent, let us consider our Saviour’s family tree. Isaiah 11:1 says “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.” This prophecy points to the Messiah coming through the lineage of King David, Jesse’s son. With branches that wind their way from the old testament to the birth of Christ, we see God’s blueprint for our redemption from the genesis of mankind. The Jesse Tree then, is a visual reminder of God’s unparalleled desire to reconcile us with Him.
What a faithful God.
Through the month of December, let us read His story from Scriptures to hark back to the dark days before Emmanuel graced us with His presence. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. (John 1:4) This Light illuminated our darkness and shepherded us into the presence of God through His sacrifice on the cross. The hand which conducted the angels’ Gloria in Excelsis also composed the requiem at the cross so that today, each of His redeemed can say “I was lost but now am found, blinded but now I see.” From heaven to earth, God’s sovereignty is clear throughout the ages.
What an awesome God.
This Advent, would you meet Jesus in a new way? With arms wide opened, He bids you “come” and feast on His delectables of love, peace, joy and hope. Perhaps a slow walk and a chat with Him may just restore that fresh hope that is missing. Or maybe, just maybe… as you stir that pineapple jam and shape the shortbread, God is wanting to do the same with your heart.
Breathe, slow down, wait on Him. Emmanuel. He is here.
Blessed Advent.
Jesse Tree Devotionals
Click on an ornament to know more about the story behind it.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Hundreds of years before that, a prophecy was thus given – “A shoot shall spring from the root of Jesse.” Isaiah 11:1 That prophecy was a sign-post pointing us to Jesus’ lineage. The gospel of Matthew spells out our Messiah’s genealogy and a visual representation of it can be seen in the Jesse Tree. With the many centuries spanning between Isaiah’s prophecy and its fulfilment, stories of faith, courage, betrayal, love and more are found woven into the branches of our Messiah’s ancestral history.
This Advent we will read those stories and each week at Celebration, the Jesse Tree will be adorned with corresponding ornments. As we do so, may we contemplate God’s never ending faithfulness. This Advent, may our gaze be transfixed on Christ – whose love overflows from heaven to earth.
Christmas Celebrations
Come join us in-person at Dream Centre or DUMC@Puchong (Sun 9.00am only) or online and celebrate the reason for the season!
Persevering through Suffering
Doors open 30 mins before Celebration
23 Dec 5.00pm
24 Dec 9.00am
E-Invitation Card
Christmas Party
This year’s Christmas Party program will be a Christmas Home Experiential Play. Experience the Nativity story with your audience, encourage them to play various roles, use provided Fun Facts for follow-up conversations, and then invite guests to celebrate Christmas Day at DUMC with the finale of the story
Last Thoughts
It won’t be Good News if we ourselves don’t shout it out! We really, really, really want to hear how this Advent season has impacted you! Please share it and send in pictures and videos of your experiences. May Jesus be glorifed! Soli Deo Gloria!
