It is from this story that the 'Jesse Tree' is derived. Jesse was the father of David who was anointed by the prophet to establish a royal family. A thousand years later Jesus was born in this royal line in Bethlehem, the Ancient city of David. Because of this family tree the names of Jesse and David are often linked in poetry and song with Jesus, the anointed one (this is the literal meaning of Messiah or Christ). The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) tells us, for example; "A shoot shall come out of from the stump of Jesse, a branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11:1). ANd in Advent we link this prophecy with Jesus: "Oh, come, strong branch of Jesse, free your own from Satan's tyranny."
What do we mean by "O come, O come, Emmanuel"?
Or when we pray "come Lord Jesus"?
How much of your family tree can you construct?
PRAYER: Oh, come, strong branch of Jesse once again, and save the whole family of humankind.- Amen!