Seventh Symbol of the Jesse Tree: 12 Tribes of Israel

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Seventh Symbol of the Jesse Tree: 12 Tribes of Israel

And Israel (previously named Jacob) had 12 sons who didn't all get along (despite their Father's dying attempt to gather them together for blessing and peace...). These sons became the 12 tribes of Israel.


 God could have chosen any tribe or any family lineage--God could have skipped the family drama and tribal violence of the Old Testament tribes, but God chose to remain faithful to those ancient promises. God chose to root new life and new peace in a previously violent story.
Praise be to God! 


Tribe of Jesus:
·Matthew 1:1–6 and Luke 3:31-34 describe Jesus as the tribe of Judah.
(“Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” ~Revelation 5:5)
· Mary, Jesus’ mother, was also related to Elizabeth who came from the tribe of Levi—the priestly tribe. So Jesus had family roots there too.
.....but Jesus did not come with a single specific tribe to defend or protect. If anything, Jesus came to bring all tribes and nations together in peace.The Lion of Judah (the kingly powerful one) is also the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
    Which one are you waiting for during this Advent season? Bold courageous faith that stands for justice? Or gentle humility that meets others in service? 



Kids Corner

Discussion:  How is each person in your family different?  Do you sometimes make each other mad? Angry? Jealous?  Thinking about Jacob how could we bring forgiveness into our family?


Activity: Look at the family tree leading up to Jacob (below).  Make a family tree and talk about how each person in the family tree is diverse and different.


Prayer: Dear God, thank you for making us each different.  Help us to love each other even when we don't understand each other.  Amen


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