Jesse Tree December 19

Now Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, enters the scene. We add him to the Jesse Tree knowing very little about him. Scripture tells us less about Joseph than we know about John the Baptist but we do know that Joseph was the means that God used to protect Mary and the baby Jesus.

Like his namesake years before, Joseph flees to Egypt at God's command for protection. The Old Testament Joseph protected the descendants of Abraham by going to Egypt and feeding them so they could survive the world wide famine. Joseph, the father of Jesus, took Mary and the child Jesus to escape death at the hand of King Herod. Joseph protected the Descendant of Abraham by following the instructions of the Angel.

The closer we get to December 24th, the more the Jesse Tree prepares us for the coming of the Seed of Abraham.

When Jesus comes, - O blessed story!
He works a change in heart and life;
God's kingdom comes with pow'r and glory
To young and old, to man and wife;
Thro Sacrament and living Word,
Faith, love and hope are now conferred.