The Real Reason...

I have really been searching this year for ways our family can "Be Still" during this busy season long enough to remember why we celebrate Christmas. I have been already been buying ornaments for us to have a Jesse Tree next year.

The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Christmas Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history.

I can't wait to see how taking the 25 days before Christmas to really piece together the faithfulness, love, and saving grace of our Lord and King will do to our time of remembrance. The basic premise of a Jesse tree is to buy a small separate tree and have a scripture reading each night that accompanies a special ornament to place on the tree.

We are also going to start a Penny Jar tradition. I bought the sweetest children's book called Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle.

Each year after Christmas, our family will decorate a jar that we will use all year to drop change (pennies and such) in. Then, the following Christmas Eve, we will give the jar to a needy family. I can not think of a better way to keep us grounded then to give back what God has blessed us with.

I would love to hear any neat traditions you have or are starting with your family.....