Jesse Tree & The O Antiphons
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. (Isaiah 11:1)
The Jesse Tree is named after Jesse, the father of King David of the Old Testament. Follow along with the story of the Jesse Tree by hanging a new ornament each day in December. The ornaments tell the Christmas Story – from Creation to the birth of Jesus, and they show Jesus’ family tree through the Bible.
The Diocese of Arlington Office of Multicultural Ministries has provided free, hand-drawn, printable ornaments ready for coloring or display! Click below for the PDF and follow along with our parish Jesse Tree in the commons.
O Antiphons
The Church has been singing the “O Antiphons” since at least the 8th century. They traditionally accompany the Magnificat, or canticle of Mary, at evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours December 17 – 23. Each of them begins with a traditional title for Christ: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel (God is with us). They connect the coming of Christ with the prophetic writings of the Old Testament.
The Diocese of Arlington Office of Multicultural Ministries has provided free, hand-drawn, printable ornaments ready for coloring or display! Click below for the PDF and learn more.
