Spiritual Classic Reminds Readers of Call to Heroism, and to Fix Their Eyes on Eternity
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Eric and Suzan Sammons. The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback. $17.95. 160 pages. Available from the publisher.
“O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!”
(From the O Antiphons prayer)
In The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion, Eric and Suzan Sammons delight every age group with activities and discussions. This daily Advent gem brings a favorite custom to life with visuals, interactive reflections, questions, and prayers for everyone.
As you think of the time before Christ an array of stories may come to mind: Abraham numbering stars in the night sky; Isaac following his father up a mountain with an armful of wood; Jacob fashioning a colorful coat for his son... The Bible is filled with important heroes from Sarah and David to our Blessed Mother and St. John the Baptist.
This Jesse Tree tradition tells the story of our faith in a relational way. A reviewer wrote “I am so grateful for this book! I have wanted to do a Jesse tree with my children for a long time, and I have even started for a few weeks, but I needed help knowing how the story of salvation played out and what the significance of each name was. This book is a great aid to our domestic church.”
In these pages, readers will find exquisite images of a unique ornament for each day. Also included are compelling and accessible reflections highlighting the liturgy and the saints, and a daily chart to follow. O Antiphon prayers are also featured.
Reviewers enthused, “Finally, I understand the message and Christmas delight that others have found in the Jesse Tree! I never fully understood why people purchased special ornaments or the draw of the Jesse Tree. This Advent devotion does a beautiful job of explaining the beauty and history behind the Jesse Tree. It provides Scripture and simple questions to enrich this unique Christmas tradition. I found myself reading the daily devotional and then going to the Bible to learn more about the stories/symbols. The authors also provide cross-references for extra reflection through the Catechism!”
“Christian families would benefit greatly by following this guide to doing a Jesse Tree. It brings a deeper level of meaning to Jesus the Christ’s family tree significance for people of all ages.”
Gather your family and classes and prepare your hearts to experience Christ’s birth like never before this Advent season.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Jesse Tree, and/or to schedule an interview.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
