Jesse Tree December 5

Today we add this bundle of sticks to the Jesse Tree. The sticks remind us of Isaac, the long awaited SON of his father, Abraham. Abraham is told to sacrifice HIS SON and they journey to offer this sacrifice. Isaac is burdened with carrying the sticks up the mountain just as our coming Savior will be burdened with carrying his cross as he goes to Mt. Calvary. Abraham's faith is such that when they leave the servants behind, he tells them "We will worship and then WE will come back to you." Abraham believed God when He promised that Abraham would have as many descendants as the stars in the sky. Abraham knew that God would provide a Sacrifice and so he assured the servants that BOTH of them would return.

It is during Advent that we concentrate on the Coming Savior who will rescue us, not with a load of sticks, but with His cross.

Once He came in blessing, All our ills redressing;
Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us, Hope and freedom gave us.