Celebrating Christ At Christmas

We five sit round the coffee table, legs tucked under and excitement buzzing. The Advent wreath burns slow, dim, with only it's first week's candle lit. Their daddy strums the guitar and the words of Away in a Manger flow out easy and fall down on the three littles, eyes wide with wonder. 

"Sing another one?" our second born whispers. "Jesus Loves Me, Daddy?"

The house is still except for our four quiet voices filling the living room and I can't help but offer up thanks to The Giver. 

We read the words that have long given hope to generations before us. 

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." Isaiah 11:1

Words that told of His coming. Words that lended to the Christ-Child being made flesh and dwelling among us. Words that would come to define the meaning of Christmas, itself.

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Last night, our family began our second year of celebrating Advent and adorning our Jesse Tree. It's our slow and purposeful attempt to teach our children, and often, remind ourselves that Christmas cannot be bought, baked, wrapped up, handmade, or given. It can only be found in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Every evening, Lord willing, until the night of His birth, we will gather, house quiet and lights dim to light the wreath, read aloud the Scriptures that foretold of His coming, worship our Lord, and celebrate the true meaning of this glorious season.

Is it a little crazy with three wiggly bodies eager to open the box, hang the ornament,and blow out the candle? Yes.

It is sometimes rushed, full to the brim with corrections and admonishments to hurry and finish? Of course.

But above the craziness, and the shush-es, and the re-reading of missed verses, is it also our humble attempt at showing our Children that Christ is our treasure? Without a doubt.

And our family would like to invite you to join us. 

Even though our trek through the Old Testament and Gospels has already started, it's not too late for you to join in. Ann, over at A Holy Experience, has once again made her Jesse Tree Family Devotional {including printable ornaments} free to download. No cost, no donation, no gimmick. Just free, that your family might make the journey to manger this Christmas.

Won't you consider it?

In the event that this year has found you overwhelmed with responsibilities, children who don't sleep through the night, or just wanting to see more of what the Jesse Tree is all about, please consider checking back each day as I hope to post a picture of our ornament and the corresponding scripture {just like the one below} that you might follow along with us. 

May God be Glorified as we anticipate the birth of Our Savior! 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6