Christian Education: Reflecting on the Advent Season

As I write this I am reflecting on the time we spent together here at Providence celebrating the advent season. We gathered together to learn about the Jesse Tree and made Jesse Tree ornaments from flour tortillas. The ornaments were placed on the bushes outside the church for the birds and squirrels to enjoy. The Jesse tree custom is based on a prophetic passage in Isaiah 11. Jesse, King David’s father, is part of Jesus’ genealogy listed in Matthew 1:1-16. The Messiah was to come from the family of David. The Jesse tree represents not only Jesus’ family lineage but also God’s covenant with the Israelite people. Each ornament on the Jesse tree represents an important biblical person who is in Jesus’ earthly family or was an Israelite.

Take a look at the final product. The ladder represents Jacob; the crown represents Solomon; and the fish represents Jonah.

We celebrated Jesus’ Birthday with cake and a party. Instead of participants receiving party favors, folks donated new toys for children in need. Providence donated 8 items to Toys for Tots. Party attendees made angel ornaments out of pictures of music which were given to the residents of the Presbyterian Communities in Lexington. The Johnson family enjoyed building a few gingerbread houses.

The youth group baked two different items for Holy Casseroley and delivered 8 meals over the holidays. Cooking using the church’s huge gas stove was a first time experience for some.

Each Sunday during advent members of Providence lead the congregation in the lighting of the advent wreath. What a wonderful meaningful reminder of the season!

We now turn our attention to the new year when our Youth / Children will return to their regular meeting time after church at 12:12 in the old fellowship hall. The first meeting for the year will be on January 9th. The CE committee is looking for folks who would be willing to provide a meal for our young people. Meals can be very simple, something to warm up quickly right after the church service. If you are interested please be in touch with me by email rosiesolid@gmail.com

I look forward to a wonderful 2022.

Blessing to you and your family,

Rosie Robinson