Advent 11

Branch

11. Branch of the Root of Jesse

In the Bible, God places great emphasis on families. A man's name may be given to generations following him, whether for good or evil; for as the tree, so is the fruit of it. Israel called David their greatest king. He was specifically called to rule by God and blessed by him. But David was the most warring of kings, so he was not allowed to build the temple. That was left to his son in a time of peace. God promised that a descendent of David would be the Savior of the world. While that special offspring was sometimes called The Son of David, He was also noted as the offspring of Jesse, David's father, the good father who raised capable and godly sons. Jesse was the root from which grew many branches, one of which grew into the line that gave birth to and raised Jesus, both on His mother's and on His father's sides. And it is this Shoot of the root of Jesse, this Son, that would build the temple of Peace. This is not a shallow temporal peace, but eternal, deep, and profound peace between God and His creation, no longer wayward offspring rebelling against a Father's justice. That is the Peace that came to earth with the glad tidings of the angels.

Isaiah 11: 1– 10

Jeremiah 23: 5

Matthew 1: 6

Luke 3: 32

Acts 13: 22

And

We got our Christmas tree tonight. Now to decorate. Anybody else have yours done?