DAY 1

THE ROOT OF JESSE
"A new little tree will grow from its stump. From its roots, a Branch will grow and produce fruit. At that time, the man who is called the Root from Jesse's family line will be like a banner that brings nations together." — Isaiah 11:10

PAUSE
Most of us know Advent as a Christmas word, but have you ever wondered what it means? An advent is “the arrival of a notable person.” By using our Advent calendar, we are following the arrival of the most notable person: Jesus.

For Jesus to come to earth as a man, He arrived through an earthly birth, just as we all do. Jesus was born into a family that descended from Jesse’s lineage. Today’s verse in Isaiah is a promise from God in the Old Testament that He would send a Savior through Jesse's family line. God’s grand plan included Jesus arriving through a regular family—an ordinary family like yours and mine.

The analogy of the branch is a beautiful one. Just as a new branch buds and eventually grows into a healthy tree, we too can grow and be made whole through Jesus!

DISCUSS
What is the significance of Jesus being born into a regular family like ours?
Have you ever gotten bored with the story of Jesus' birth?
What can you do to develop a sense of awe this Advent season?

PRAY
Thank You, God, for Your promise and plan to send Your Son Jesus to save us. Open our hearts to know more of You through the story of Jesus' birth.

FAMILY ACTIVITY
Look through keepsakes and pictures. Share stories of your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.