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The Jesse Tree Anthology
"Take a journey this Advent through the family tree of Jesus and his ancestor, Jesse.
Beginning with the creation of the world and continuing right up to the night of Jesus’ birth, read about 25 of the most important people and events that came before Jesus, and discover how all of their stories point to Him.
In just a few minutes every day, be inspired by short Bible passages accompanied by the easy-to-read reflections of 25 different Christian writers.
Suitable for reading alone, in a group or with family, each day’s reading also comes with questions to think about, simple prayer suggestions, and decorations to colour and hang on your own Jesse Tree*
*(PDF downloads available if preferred)”
Beginning with the creation of the world and continuing right up to the night of Jesus’ birth, read about 25 of the most important people and events that came before Jesus, and discover how all of their stories point to Him.
In just a few minutes every day, be inspired by short Bible passages accompanied by the easy-to-read reflections of 25 different Christian writers.
Suitable for reading alone, in a group or with family, each day’s reading also comes with questions to think about, simple prayer suggestions, and decorations to colour and hang on your own Jesse Tree*
*(PDF downloads available if preferred)”
160 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2023
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Yarworth
5 books3 followersRachel Yarworth is the author of "Friend of God: The Miraculous Life of an Ordinary Person", published 2022
Rachel lives in Worcestershire with her husband Mike, their three miracle sons and their miniature labradoodle.
When not writing, Rachel can usually be found home educating her younger two boys, leading a home church, or going for long walks in the countryside
Rachel lives in Worcestershire with her husband Mike, their three miracle sons and their miniature labradoodle.
When not writing, Rachel can usually be found home educating her younger two boys, leading a home church, or going for long walks in the countryside
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 11, 2023
Firstly, a confession … I had the honour of contributing a chapter to this book. And I am so glad to have had that opportunity. This is a lovely book, a devotional ideal for family reading through Advent, that takes the readers through a number of Bible characters from the family tree of Jesus.
Isaiah 11:1 says “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” This promises that the descendants of Jesse will be fruitful, and more than that Isaiah goes on to prophesy through chapter 11 about who Jesus will be. This passage lends itself to the name of the Jesse Tree.
The Jesse Tree Advent tradition, started maybe in medieval times, tells the story from creation through to the birth of Jesus. Hence this book allows the reader to reach through the Bible stories, see something of the character of the ancestors of Jesus, to gain a deeper understanding of the rich earthly heritage of Jesus.
Each day the reader has a few verses of a Bible passage, a short commentary to reflect on that passage, and then a few thoughts for the readers to think about or pray about each day. Then there is a picture each day for a bit of colouring, which by the end of Advent allows you to then create your own Jesse Tree.
The content is pitched appropriately for children aged about seven upwards and would be ideal for mutual reading – perhaps an early morning devotional to start the day, or a lovely bedtime read.
Each day’s contribution comes from a different author, with Rachel having pulled together 24 different writers to share their thoughts - quite a feat of organising!
What becomes clear as you read through each day, is how it all points towards Jesus. Right from the first moments of creation, through Noah, Abram, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and many others who all had such faith, took their inspiration from God and whose stories all point the way to Jesus coming into the world.
Reading this each day through Advent is a great way to prepare for Christmas, to focus on the reason why we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
See more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
Isaiah 11:1 says “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” This promises that the descendants of Jesse will be fruitful, and more than that Isaiah goes on to prophesy through chapter 11 about who Jesus will be. This passage lends itself to the name of the Jesse Tree.
The Jesse Tree Advent tradition, started maybe in medieval times, tells the story from creation through to the birth of Jesus. Hence this book allows the reader to reach through the Bible stories, see something of the character of the ancestors of Jesus, to gain a deeper understanding of the rich earthly heritage of Jesus.
Each day the reader has a few verses of a Bible passage, a short commentary to reflect on that passage, and then a few thoughts for the readers to think about or pray about each day. Then there is a picture each day for a bit of colouring, which by the end of Advent allows you to then create your own Jesse Tree.
The content is pitched appropriately for children aged about seven upwards and would be ideal for mutual reading – perhaps an early morning devotional to start the day, or a lovely bedtime read.
Each day’s contribution comes from a different author, with Rachel having pulled together 24 different writers to share their thoughts - quite a feat of organising!
What becomes clear as you read through each day, is how it all points towards Jesus. Right from the first moments of creation, through Noah, Abram, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and many others who all had such faith, took their inspiration from God and whose stories all point the way to Jesus coming into the world.
Reading this each day through Advent is a great way to prepare for Christmas, to focus on the reason why we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
See more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
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November 30, 2023Christmas is all about Jesus. We know that, and yet so often we get caught up in trees and tinsel, crafts and cake, reindeer and wrapping. Jesus can easily become an afterthought.
The Jesse Tree tradition is a wonderful antidote to this problem. Essentially it offers a daily reading from the Bible and an opportunity to hang a little ornament on a tree to remind us of it. Named after Isaiah 11v1, it begins there, with the prophecy about the Messiah coming from the stump of Jesse, who was King David’s father. Yet King David isn’t the only significant figure in Jesus’ family tree.
In fact, the Jesse Tree takes you from creation to crib, reflecting on mostly people, but sometimes significant events, in Jesus’ ancestry. We meet Eve, Abraham, Joseph, Rahab and many more. The compiler’s purpose in extending the Jesse Tree tradition into a devotional was to help you, and whomever you read it with, reflect on how each part of the ancestry pointed forward to Jesus and his complete saving work.
In this Advent Devotional, there are 25 author contributors. Do they come together with the same vision under the care of the compiler, Rachel Yarworth? When I received a review copy, I was struck by the unity of the themes running throughout, particularly God’s consistent, persistent love toward humankind, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus the promised Messiah. That such unity could be achieved is testimony to the faith and concern of each and every hand-picked author, and, I can only conclude, the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I would recommend this devotional for family and single use. (I received an advance review copy but my opinion is my own.)
The Jesse Tree tradition is a wonderful antidote to this problem. Essentially it offers a daily reading from the Bible and an opportunity to hang a little ornament on a tree to remind us of it. Named after Isaiah 11v1, it begins there, with the prophecy about the Messiah coming from the stump of Jesse, who was King David’s father. Yet King David isn’t the only significant figure in Jesus’ family tree.
In fact, the Jesse Tree takes you from creation to crib, reflecting on mostly people, but sometimes significant events, in Jesus’ ancestry. We meet Eve, Abraham, Joseph, Rahab and many more. The compiler’s purpose in extending the Jesse Tree tradition into a devotional was to help you, and whomever you read it with, reflect on how each part of the ancestry pointed forward to Jesus and his complete saving work.
In this Advent Devotional, there are 25 author contributors. Do they come together with the same vision under the care of the compiler, Rachel Yarworth? When I received a review copy, I was struck by the unity of the themes running throughout, particularly God’s consistent, persistent love toward humankind, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus the promised Messiah. That such unity could be achieved is testimony to the faith and concern of each and every hand-picked author, and, I can only conclude, the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I would recommend this devotional for family and single use. (I received an advance review copy but my opinion is my own.)
December 25, 2023
Full disclosure: I was one of the twenty-five writers who contributed to this anthology. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each writer's piece throughout Advent.
I've never pursued an Advent reading scheme so consistently as I did this year, and this is a lovely book that will appeal to everyone from seven to ninety-seven. The idea of adding a stained-glass window tag to your own tree each day is a great way to make this a family activity. The vocabulary is accessible, and the questions asked each day spring very clearly from the text and Bible passage. From Genesis to the birth of Jesus and the good news told to sleepy shepherds on the first Christmas Day, the anthology traces the family line of Jesus through stories of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Elijah, Jonah, and more,. This is a thorough non-academic exploration of the Christmas story setting it firmly in the context of the whole of biblical history.
Rachel Yarworth has done a good job of pulling all this together into a special book which will be enjoyed year after year. I'm privileged to have been part of it and delighted to have heard from so many quality writers through the pages too.
I've never pursued an Advent reading scheme so consistently as I did this year, and this is a lovely book that will appeal to everyone from seven to ninety-seven. The idea of adding a stained-glass window tag to your own tree each day is a great way to make this a family activity. The vocabulary is accessible, and the questions asked each day spring very clearly from the text and Bible passage. From Genesis to the birth of Jesus and the good news told to sleepy shepherds on the first Christmas Day, the anthology traces the family line of Jesus through stories of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Elijah, Jonah, and more,. This is a thorough non-academic exploration of the Christmas story setting it firmly in the context of the whole of biblical history.
Rachel Yarworth has done a good job of pulling all this together into a special book which will be enjoyed year after year. I'm privileged to have been part of it and delighted to have heard from so many quality writers through the pages too.
November 16, 2023
At Christmastime, we focus on the baby in the manger, the shepherds, wise men, and the angels singing “Glory in the Highest!” However, many people do not understand the significance of the events that culminated in this most holy night.
In the Jesse Tree Anthology, twenty-five authors collaborate to tell the story of the ancestry of Jesus. Starting with creation and the fall, they lead us through the various incidences and prophecies that prepared for his birth. Each writer has their own unique style, but there is a wonderful sense of unity due to the clear guidelines and prayerful editing given by Rachel Yarworth who headed up the project.
This family-friendly advent devotional contains short reflections, questions to ponder and discuss, prayers, and templates for ornaments to hang on your very own Jesse Tree. These can also be downloaded from Rachel’s website.
As one of the proud contributing authors listed in this book, I can highly recommend the Jesse Tree Anthology, and I pray it will bless individuals and families for many years to come.
In the Jesse Tree Anthology, twenty-five authors collaborate to tell the story of the ancestry of Jesus. Starting with creation and the fall, they lead us through the various incidences and prophecies that prepared for his birth. Each writer has their own unique style, but there is a wonderful sense of unity due to the clear guidelines and prayerful editing given by Rachel Yarworth who headed up the project.
This family-friendly advent devotional contains short reflections, questions to ponder and discuss, prayers, and templates for ornaments to hang on your very own Jesse Tree. These can also be downloaded from Rachel’s website.
As one of the proud contributing authors listed in this book, I can highly recommend the Jesse Tree Anthology, and I pray it will bless individuals and families for many years to come.
November 15, 2023
Jesse was the father of King David. As the carol says:
"To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
A Saviour who is Christ, the Lord", so Jesse's family tree is also Jesus' family tree. There are several versions of the Jesse Tree to take you through Advent. The one Rachel's chosen includes people like Jonah (not Jesus' direct ancestor, but still a famous relative).
This Advent resource, by 25 different authors, is for people of all ages. Some days I struggled to engage because there was nothing new in what I was reading, but I loved it when an author made me think (it wouldn't have occurred to me to compare Joseph's brother Judah to Judas Iscariot, for example). I wasn't keen on the end of the book, which seemed to detract from the genealogy theme, but don't let that put you off.
If you enjoy choosing an Advent book every year, "The Jesse Tree Anthology" is definitely worth considering.
"To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
A Saviour who is Christ, the Lord", so Jesse's family tree is also Jesus' family tree. There are several versions of the Jesse Tree to take you through Advent. The one Rachel's chosen includes people like Jonah (not Jesus' direct ancestor, but still a famous relative).
This Advent resource, by 25 different authors, is for people of all ages. Some days I struggled to engage because there was nothing new in what I was reading, but I loved it when an author made me think (it wouldn't have occurred to me to compare Joseph's brother Judah to Judas Iscariot, for example). I wasn't keen on the end of the book, which seemed to detract from the genealogy theme, but don't let that put you off.
If you enjoy choosing an Advent book every year, "The Jesse Tree Anthology" is definitely worth considering.
October 4, 2023
This is an amazing read for the advent season for christians as well as new believers in the Christian faith. I truly enjoyed reading through each contribution and marvelled at the revelation exposed!! It's a valuable book that enables anyone who would love to have a nutshell grasp of the Christian faith. There are prayers that are uplifting that draw readers close to God. The questions after each chapter help with reflection and a deeper understanding of the topics shared. As the title suggests, the biblical stories and readings trace the family tree of Lord Jesus. It will surprise readers how the chosen excerpts in this anthology are all interwoven in such a creative, easy to read and understandable manner. A unique and enthralling read worth its 5 stars!
January 16, 2024
I liked the way that this devotional went through the season of advent by going through some of the memorable stories of the Bible from the first book of Genesis through to the gospels with the Christmas story. The variety of different writers was good, as each took a different story but their ways of dealing with it and the story of Jesus varied. Each day started with the quotation from the Bible passage, then the writer's interpretation of it, a set of questions to get you thinking and a final prayer.
Rachel Yarworth has compiled a good anthology with an original take on the Christmas story.
Rachel Yarworth has compiled a good anthology with an original take on the Christmas story.
October 5, 2023
This is a lovely book of daily Advent readings, complete with the scripture and a prayer afterwards, plus some questions to get you thinking. I particularly enjoyed the different voices who contribute to the collection, and the many little snippets of Bible stories with a light shone upon them. Beautifully put together by the author and a book which I think will be treasured by many as we approach Christmas.
December 3, 2023
Disappointing
I appreciate that they used the International Children’s Bible for the simpler language and greater understanding of young children or less mature Christians.
If you are doing this as a family devotional, I suggest that you purchase a physical copy so that you can make the ornaments.
The Kindle version is acceptable for a solo study; however, I was a bit disappointed that the daily devotionals didn’t go a bit deeper.
I appreciate that they used the International Children’s Bible for the simpler language and greater understanding of young children or less mature Christians.
If you are doing this as a family devotional, I suggest that you purchase a physical copy so that you can make the ornaments.
The Kindle version is acceptable for a solo study; however, I was a bit disappointed that the daily devotionals didn’t go a bit deeper.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews