Jesse Tree December 13

King David, had a son by the name of Solomon. It is King Solomon who is represented by the crown on the Jesse Tree. King Solomon is known for his wisdom. He prayed to God, not for wealth or riches, but for wisdom so that he could rule well. God gave him wisdom and God has sent His Wisdom into the world -- we look for the coming of Wisdom from on High in Jesus Christ. That is our correct response in the liturgy when we hear that the Gospel is being read -- "Wisdom! Let us be attentive".

King Solomon is also famous for building the temple where God would come and meet with man. Christ is recognized by St John as the One who came and pitched His Tent among us -- John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling (literally pitched his tent) among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truth. " In the Old Testament, the people came to the Temple to worship God. In our age, the latter days, we worship God as He comes to us in Word and Sacrament.

A Helper just He comes to thee, His chariot is humility,
His kingly crown is holiness, His scepter, pity in distress,
The end of all our woes He brings; Wherefore the earth is glad and sings:
We praise Thee, Savior, now Mighty in deed are Thou!