Advent Journey- The Tree of Promise

A bit of the story of the Tree of Promise Advent Resource:

1. What prompted you to create this Advent Resource?
The Tree of Promise devotions encourage the reader to focus on the promises God made, kept, and keeps. My sister’s death in December of 2000 and my husband’s death the following January surrounded Christmas. As my daughter and I packed away the 30+ trees that filled our home we reminded ourselves that the trees, especially the Chrismon tree, were a constant reminder that the cross of Calvary had become the New Testament tree of life and that the approach to life and God was no longer barred by angels bearing flaming swords. 

Later Pastor Hinlicky asked me to write a series of Advent devotions for the congregation. I tried, but the pressures of work and grief interfered and the project was left incomplete. This summer the visual faith projects and my 70^th birthday reminded me of the task. I picked it up and combined the original plan of using hymns and scripture with ornaments inspired by the visual faith projects. A Christmas tree can be an Advent calendar. 

2.  What were some of the challenges in putting these resources together?

Twelve years of Lutheran education and a life time of mid-week Advent services have burned the hymns of the season into my heart and memory. However, not all of the hymns I selected are in public domain. Since getting copy right permission for all the hymns was a formidable task, I decided to include only the text of those hymns that are in public domain. References to the various Lutheran hymn books where other hymns could be found are provided for readers who want to use other hymns.

3.  How has this practice of the devotions with the created visuals enhanced your Advent worship?

Adding ornaments challenged me and I wanted to make them as simple as possible so that even children could make them. Perhaps I will work on counted cross stitch ornaments for another year. Converting the basic designs to cross stitch is not difficult. I think it would be most effective if each family could personalize their ornament selections or designs with their own family stories and memories.

Tree of Promise

Daily Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Devotions for the Christian Home

My earliest memories of Christmas always begin with Advent, are centered around hymns and readings, and include art. As an adult I developed an enthusiasm for Christmas trees and in the almost 50 years since I decorated a tree as a new bride the number of trees and the ornaments that go on them has ballooned astronomically. Currently my daughter and I put up 10 full sized trees and more small trees than I am willing to count. As I began to work on some devotions I wanted to include not only the hymns I love but also a visual mark of the promises of God. The idea of a Tree that would serve as an advent calendar took shape. The TREE OF PROMISE devotions are designed to be used in the home, combining the scriptures with hymns and symbols in a way that holds before our eyes the true promises of God celebrated during this portion of the church year. They begin with the first Sunday in Advent, and continue until Epiphany. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30^th. The earliest possible date for the beginning of Advent is November 27^th. If Advent begins later in the year in which you are celebrating, make your first day a day of cumulative celebration and include the dates prior as well. Epiphany is always January 6^th. To create a Tree of Promise in your home use either an artificial or live tree, a twig or vine, and place it on the floor, wall, or even suspended from the ceiling. You may decide to keep your tree of promise up through the entire Epiphany season. The last possible date of the Epiphany season (the Saturday before the first Sunday in Pre-Lent) is February 20^th. Since Easter is a movable feast, this calendar date will vary from year to year. Pre-Lent begins nine Sundays before Easter. 

I chose to place a pencil shaped tree in the corner of our dining space and plan to hold the devotions at the table. I decorated the tree with ornaments, many of which will fit the various devotions. Part of each devotion will be identifying the ornament on the tree that best fits the devotion.

Symbols are suggested for each day. You may have, among your ornaments, ones that will fit the devotions. Feel free to use those. If you wish to create new ornaments, use the media of your choice. Except for ornaments that are garland like or box shaped, I used water color paper because of its weight and ability to take and hold multiple colors and ink media. The idea is to be able to see, touch, and hear the promises of God to you. You may choose to use Chrismon© symbols or Christian cross stitch symbols. Perhaps you have a book of symbols or a variety of Christian stamps. Do not be afraid to design your own symbols. Let the Spirit guide your eye and hand. A spread sheet with more detail is available. My own symbols are primitive sketches of disparate sizes, but if yours is a steadier hand, go for it and thank God for the gift He gave you.

Use the Bible translation most beloved to you for the readings, and know that the validity of God’s word does not rest on human effort. I used a collection of translations, often reading the verses from more than one. 

The hymns are listed as useful supplements to the devotions and are effective both as songs and poems. Some are original works and here I included the texts and grant permission to duplicate these texts. Most are familiar hymns that you’ve sung for years. Many are available in multiple hymnbooks. The text of those that are in public domain are included. However, copyright laws restrict the inclusion of text within these devotions for some hymns. Each devotion contains specific hymn book locations. The hymn books listed are the common Lutheran hymnals and song books used in North America within the last 100 years. If the first hymn(s) listed are not in public domain, then I have tried to include an alternative hymn that is in the public domain. On occasion, the Spirit might move you to select a different hymn or even write your own. Do not be afraid to let the Spirit lead your soul to sing. Remember, Psalm 100 instructs us to ‘Make a joyful noise unto The Lord!’ So, if your singing voice is not pitch perfect, or if you are shy, then read the songs aloud or even read them silently. God hears and rejoices. 

God’s promises are sure, Christ is coming!

Natalie Grace

Thanks to  Contributing Writer-

Natalie Grace- 

To God Alone be the Glory!

Devotions will b added daily 

to this site for this Tree of Promise Resource.