This Advent, lead your family closer to Christ as you prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas. Engage with the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets who are the branches in Jesus' family tree and come to understand fully how, in Christ, this family history becomes the history of our salvation.
As you explore Jesus' fascinating ancestry, you'll see how God's plan of salvation unfolds from Adam and Eve, through the Old Testament prophets, to the birth of Christ, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and the sacraments of the Church. Marvel at the parallels between Adam and Christ, the New Adam; Eve and Mary, the New Eve; the patriarch Joseph and St. Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer; and others.
You will also learn about the rich, faith-building customs surrounding the Jesse Tree throughout the centuries - and how to create your own. The image of a beautiful ornament signifying an important person or event in the Bible is provided for each day. The daily meditation explains the mystery of the ornament that is featured. And extra information is included for families with older children who want to "dig deeper" into the significance of what is foretold.
The devotion in practice takes five to fifteen minutes per day, depending on family needs and style. Each day features the following:
- Full-color ornament with a distinguishing symbol
- Biblical passage or story illustrating the theme
- Brief, engaging meditation with questions for discussion
- Traditional prayer to enrich the devotion
- "Dig Deeper" section for real-life application
Grow in the wisdom of Solomon! Learn to hear God's voice like Samuel! Develop the trust of Elijah and the humility of Isaiah! Families will be enthralled as they learn about key biblical figures and discover the reasons for our beliefs, from why God created us to the origins of the Mass and the sacraments.
A key tool for instilling the virtues and strengthening your family's faith, hope, and love, this Jesse Tree tradition will be passed on in your family for generations to come.
Eric Sammons is the author of seven books and the former Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He has spoken to thousands of people on various Catholic topics; has conducted evangelization, Scripture, and apologetic workshops on the parish and diocesan levels; and has worked with many parishes to improve their evangelization efforts.His published books include Who is Jesus Christ? Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew (Our Sunday Visitor 2010), Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaría Escrivá (Our Sunday Visitor 2012), and The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did (Catholic Answers Press 2017). He also authored the high school textbook Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (Midwest Theological Forum 2013). In addition he has published articles in Crisis Magazine, Catholic Answers, The Federalist, Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, OnePet
Often, when we recall Our Lord's Passion, the scenes flash by so quickly that deeper recollection is difficult. This forty-day meditation on the fourteen Stations of the Cross, designed for use in your home, presents them for you and your family in slow motion, inviting you to dwell upon each event along the Way of the Cross for three or four days. Daily Scripture passages, prayers, and insights from the saints will help you pause, ponder, and contemplate each step of the way as you walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. Drawn from the writings of the Church Fathers and prayers of the saints, these Lenten meditations plumb the depths of meaning of each station to enliven your experience in praying this popular, long-standing devotion, seasonally or throughout the year. Classic illustrations appear throughout to help you behold your Savior and unite your sufferings more intimately with His in each scene. Penetrating yet practical daily questions are included for further reflection or discussion. The meditations in this book are rooted in the treasury of the Church, interspersing traditions and methods that will sanctify your day and help you grow in holiness. Though perfect for private devotion, this book also serves as a tool for walking the whole family through the sacred season, with reflections written in a style that engages both youth and adults. As you proceed through Lent, these meditations will place in your heart a splinter of Christ's Cross. In His footsteps you will learn: The best interior response to rejection The fruit of the vineyard we are called to gather Two spiritual weapons and two practical tips for overcoming temptation How Veronica's act shows us what we can do to alleviate others' sufferings A time-tested technique to strengthen your resolve to avoid falling into the same sins How Confession can help you "stop the cycle" of sin, bitterness, and greater sin This is a new kind of Stations of the Cross experience, given that the Stations are traditionally prayed all at once, in procession. But like no other, this book will deepen your family's experience of this devotion by exploring in richer detail the mystery of each event on our Lord's road to Calvary.
