Jesse Tree Devotions A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse, from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church 2023 West 12th Avenue Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-8830 tabc@12thavenue.org www.12thavenue.org
DECEMBER 25 JESUS CHRIST BIBLE READING: John 1:1-18 The countdown is over...christmas is here! Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born as a baby, just like you and me. He was a human, but he was also God! God came to Earth...to show His love for us up close and to be the sacrifice for our sin. He is worthy of our worship! Our ornament today is a candle to remind us of Jesus, who brought light to the world. Light a candle and sing Joy to the World Candle God, our hearts are full of joy! Thank you for keeping your promise to send a Savior. Jesus, we worship you. Amen.
DECEMBER 24 THE MANGER DECEMBER 1 THE JESSE TREE BIBLE READING: Luke 2:1-20 Jesus, the King of Kings, was born into a manger. God s promises were fulfilled, His love demonstrated in a tiny baby. What a beautiful gift! What a reason to celebrate! Sing Away in a Manger What does it mean to our family that Jesus came to Earth the Son of God, born as a baby? BIBLE READING: Isaiah 11:1-2 Through the prophets, over hundreds of years, God promised to send Jesus to be the Savior of the world. Isaiah tells us that Jesus would be like a shoot from the stump of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David, who would become king of Israel. A thousand years later, Jesus would be born through this same family. To see the full genealogy of Jesus, read Matthew 1. Jesse was Jesus ancestor. Who are some of our ancestors? How far back can we trace our family tree? Today you will set up your Jesse tree. You can use a miniature Christmas tree, or even a few branches in a pot. Get creative! Manger Jesse Tree God, what a beautiful gift you gave that first Christmas. Jesus, thank you for coming to Earth. We celebrate and worship you. Amen. God, we pray that our family will have a rich legacy of faith, reaching to many generations after us. Amen.
DECEMBER 2 CREATION OF THE WORLD DECEMBER 23 JOSEPH OF NAZARETH BIBLE READING: Genesis 1 The first Jesse Tree symbol is a globe, reminding us of the perfect world God created. Name as many things as you can think of that God created. What is your favorite? What is most fascinating to you? How can we do a better job of taking care of the world God made? BIBLE READING: Matthew 1:19-25 Joseph was a faithful man. He must have been confused as to how Mary had come to be the mother of our Savior, but he trusted what the angel said and stood by Mary. The carpenter s hammer on today s ornament represents Joseph s profession and his unique role in the story of our salvation. Joseph willingly played his part in God s plan. Sometimes God s role for us might not be our first choice. Can you think of a job God has given you that was hard for you to do? Think of a way you can serve someone today. It might be someone in our family or someone at school. Don t tell anyone what you are doing serve quietly as Joseph did. Globe Carpenter s hammer God, thank you for making a beautiful world for us to live in. Help our family be caretakers of your world and those who live in it. Amen. God, Joseph was a man who quietly obeyed and followed you. Help us to serve you joyfully in whatever you ask of us. Amen.
DECEMBER 22 MARY DECEMBER 3 THE FALL BIBLE READING: Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will be the mother of our savior, Jesus. Although she must have been surprised, Mary received this news with grace and trusted God s plan for her. The white lily on today s ornament symbolizes new life and resurrection hope for the future. Mary responded to the news with the words, I am the Lord s servant. She was willing to do whatever God asked of her. How can we follow Mary s example of obedience? BIBLE READING: Genesis 3:1-19 The apple symbol represents the first sin. God s world was perfect until sin came in. Just like Adam and Eve sinned and disobeyed God, we sin when we do anything that God would not want us to do, think or say. Can you think of a time when you have sinned? How does sin make us feel? Read John 3:16 to see what God has done to take care of our sin. White lily Apple God, thank you for Mary s example of trusting obedience. May we respond to you like Mary did...with a bold yes when you call. Amen. God, thank you for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sin. Thank you for forgiving us when we come to you. Amen.
DECEMBER 4 NOAH DECEMBER 21 JOHN THE BAPTIST BIBLE READING: Genesis 6:9-22; 7:17-24; 8; 9:8-17 The rainbow reminds us of God s promise to Noah to never again destroy the world by a flood. Even though we sin, God s mercy to us is very great. How does it make you feel to know that God gives us a new chance when we ask Him to forgive us? How can we show forgiveness in the same way God has forgiven us? BIBLE READING: Matthew 3:1-11 John the Baptist (born to Zechariah and Elizabeth) had a special job to prepare the way for Jesus. The shell ornament reminds us that John the Baptist baptized people with water and of his message: that people should turn from their sins and be baptized. John the Baptist baptized hundreds of people, including Jesus. What does it mean to be baptized? If you have been baptized, share about your baptism. When was it? Who baptized you? How can we, like John the Baptist, help others hear the Good News about Jesus? Rainbow Scallop shell God, thank you for the reminder of the rainbow and for your mercy to us. Help us to show others this same mercy and forgiveness. Amen. God, help us always be ready to tell about Jesus and the new life he gives. Amen.
DECEMBER 20 ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH DECEMBER 5 ABRAHAM AND SARAH BIBLE READING: Luke 1:5-25, 57-66 Zechariah and Elizabeth waited a long time for a baby. Finally, one day when Zechariah was praying in the Temple, an angel appeared to him and told him his wife Elizabeth would have a son. Zechariah couldn t believe it! The symbol of praying hands reminds us that God always hears our prayers. Zechariah was surprised that God would give him a baby. Can you think of a time when you have been surprised with a good gift God has given you? Is there something we have prayed for and God answered yes? Is there something we have prayed for and are still waiting for an answer? BIBLE READING: Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:8 The stars remind us of God s promise to Abraham to give him as many descendants as the stars in the sky. Abraham s family became the chosen people of God. God made a BIG promise to Abraham! What promises has God made to us in the Bible? God always keeps His promises. He is faithful. We can trust Him completely. What is something you need to trust God with? Praying hands Field of Stars God, we believe you hear our prayers. Help us to pray in faith, believing you will answer in the way that is best. Amen. God, thank you for being faithful and always keeping your promises. Help us to trust you with the things that make us afraid. Amen.
DECEMBER 6 ISAAC DECEMBER 19 NEHEMIAH BIBLE READING: Genesis 22:1-18 The ram reminds us that God provided a sacrifice for Abraham when he saw that Abraham was willing to give up his only son, if that is what God required. Even though Abraham had waited a very long time for a child, he loved God enough to give up his son if God asked him to. How do you think Abraham felt? In the end, Abraham did not have to lose his son, but God did sacrifice His only Son for our sins. How do you think God felt when Jesus died? BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 4:15-23 God s people had been forced out of their home country and were living in Babylon. They were not happy about it and wanted to be home. God did not forget them! Eventually the Babylonians were defeated and the people of Israel were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, Jerusalem had been destroyed. Our ornament today reminds us how Nehemiah directed the people of Israel to rebuild the wall around their city. God can rebuild things that seem hopeless. What are some situations in our world today that might seem hopeless to us? Let s pray and ask God to work! Ram City wall God, thank you for giving up your only Son for our sins. Help us to love you more than we love anything else. Amen. God, we believe you are able to restore the most broken circumstances. Help us, like Nehemiah, to join you in your work of restoration. Amen.
DECEMBER 18 ESTHER DECEMBER 7 JACOB BIBLE READING: Esther 4 The scepter on our ornament today reminds us of Queen Esther. When Esther was queen there was a man named Haman who despised the Jews. Haman was making a plan to kill them. Esther a Jew herself had the opportunity to save God s people. Even though it put her in a very dangerous position, Esther approached the king and told him of Haman s plan. Because of Esther s courage, the Jews were saved. Mordecai, Esther s cousin, told her that God had put her in the palace for such a time as this. Only Esther could do the job. Does God have a special job for you that only you can do? BIBLE READING: Genesis 28:10-22 This story tells us how God spoke to Jacob in a dream. In his dream, Jacob saw a ladder that stretched from heaven to earth. The ladder on our ornament reminds us of the message God had for Jacob, communicated through his dream. What did God tell Jacob in his dream? How does God speak to us today? Scepter Ladder God, help us to have ears to hear and eyes to see the special assignments you have for us. May we respond boldly like Esther. Amen. God, thank you for speaking to us through the Bible and other followers of Jesus. Help us to obey when you speak to us. Amen.
DECEMBER 8 JOSEPH DECEMBER 17 DANIEL BIBLE READING: Genesis 37:3-36; 41:46-57; 50:15-21 The coat reminds us of a gift Jacob gave to his favorite son, Joseph. Jospeh s brothers were very jealous because they knew he was their father s favorite. They decided to get rid of Joseph and sold him. Even though his brothers did a bad thing, God turned a bad thing into good and used Joseph to do great things for His people. How did Joseph help the people of Israel? Can we think of something that has happened that seemed bad at the time and turned out to be good? BIBLE READING: Daniel 6:1-23, 25-27 The lion ornament reminds us of Daniel, a man who remained faithful to God even when it could have cost him his life. When the rulers of Babylon told Daniel he could not pray to God and must pray to the king instead, Daniel would not do it. He continued praying to God and God delivered him out of a very scary situation! How do you think Daniel felt when he was sent to the lion s den? Can you think of a time we would need to have courage in following God? Do you know anyone who follows God with great courage? Coat Lion God, you are able to make good even out of bad things. Help us to trust you when things don t go the way we want them to. Amen. God, we want to be faithful to follow you and not turn away, no matter what we face. Help us to follow you with great courage like Daniel did. Amen.
DECEMBER 16 ISAIAH DECEMBER 9 MOSES BIBLE READING: Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 Isaiah was a prophet who lived 700 years before Christ. His prophecies gave the people hope because he told the people that God would one day save them. He told the people of Israel that a child would be born and would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The sunrise reminds us of the promise of this coming King. Who is the child Isaiah prophesied about in Isaiah 9? How is Jesus different from any earthly king who ever reigned? BIBLE READING: Exodus 20:1-17 The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for a very long time. God had a big job for Moses! He asked him to lead his people out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. In the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. He gave the people these commandments so they would live in a way that pleased God. What are some of the commandments God gave to Moses? Which do you think is the most important commandment? Sunrise Tablets God, thank you for the hope we have in Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Amen. God, thank you for showing us in the Bible how you want us to live. Help us to live in a way that pleases you. Amen.
DECEMBER 10 JOSHUA DECEMBER 15 ELIJAH BIBLE READING: Joshua 1:1-11, 6:1-20 Today we hang a trumpet on the Jesse Tree. God asked Joshua to walk around the city of Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day, He told Joshua to march around seven times and to blow the trumpets. When Joshua obeyed God s instructions, the walls around Jericho fell down! Do you think God s instructions sounded strange to Joshua? Why is it important for us to obey God s instructions, even if they don t make sense to us? BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 18:17-39 God called the prophet Elijah to show the people that He was the one true God. The people of Israel had been worshiping idols. The fire on today s ornament reminds us that when Elijah challenged the priests of Baal to a contest, God sent fire down to prove He is God. The people of Israel worshiped idols. What are some idols in our lives that we might put before God? God deserves first place in our hearts. How can we encourage one another to give Him all of our worship and love? Trumpet God, you answered your promise to Joshua when he was faithful and obedient to you. Help us to follow your instructions closely. Amen. Fire God, help us to keep you at the center of our lives and first in our hearts. You are worthy of all our worship. Amen.
DECEMBER 14 DAVID DECEMBER 11 GIDEON BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 5:1-5 Today we will hang a crown to remind us of King David. David was a good, strong king because he trusted God and tried to obey Him. Sometimes David made mistakes, but when he did, he asked God to forgive him. God called David a man after his own heart. David was a king over Israel. Who are some of the leaders in our country? What do you think it means to be someone after God s own heart? How can we be people after God s heart? BIBLE READING: Judges 7 God chose to reveal his power to Gideon, who came from a poor family, by letting his army of 300 men defeat more than 100,000 at Midian. Gideon followed the Lord s instruction to have his men approach the town with their torches hidden under pitchers. The people of Midian were so startled when the pitchers were broken and they saw the soldiers that many began fighting among themselves. The pitcher ornament reminds us of how Gideon became an unlikely leader, helping his people get rid of false gods and obey God s true laws. God used just 300 men to defeat more than 100,000! Sometimes God does things in a way we do not expect. Have you ever been surprised to see how God worked in a situation? Crown Pitcher God, we pray for the leaders of our country. Make them strong and wise. Help us, like David, to follow after you with our whole hearts. Amen. God, you are all powerful! Thank you for Gideon s example of trust. Help us be watchful for your work all around us. Amen.
DECEMBER 12 RUTH DECEMBER 13 SAMUEL BIBLE READING: Ruth 1:1 2:12 Ruth was a brave woman. Her husband had died and she moved to a new place to take care of her mother-in-law, Naomi. God had a special purpose for Ruth, even though she was from Moab and not an Israelite. Ruth would become the great-grandmother of David and an ancestor of Christ! The grain reminds us of the hard work Ruth did to provide for herself and for Naomi. How did God provide for Ruth when she was faithful to take care of Naomi? God used Ruth even though she was not an Israelite. God loves all people everywhere. How can we be part of sharing God s love with people who are very different from us? BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Samuel was a prophet, someone who gives the people a message from God. God asked Samuel to anoint the first two kings of Israel. To anoint means to put oil on a person s head it is a sign that God has chosen that person for a special job. The horn of oil reminds us of Samuel the prophet who anointed kings. The first king Samuel anointed was Saul. At first Saul was a good king but after time, he decided to go his own way instead of following God. How can we take steps to make sure we keep following God closely? What was most important to God when He selected a king? Grain Horn of Oil God, help our family to reach out with your love to people who are different from us in our city and around the world. Amen. God, we want to be people who go your way, not our own way. Help us to care more about the condition of our hearts than our outward appearance. Amen.