The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion

"This Advent, lead your family closer to Christ as you prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas....The devotion in practice takes five to fifteen minutes per day, depending family needs and style. Each day features the following: Biblical passage or story illustrating the theme-- Brief, engaging meditation with questions for discussion-- Traditional prayer to enrich the devotion-- 'Dig Deeper' section for real-life application." [taken from back cover]

Eric Sammons is the author of seven books and the former Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He has spoken to thousands of people on various Catholic topics; has conducted evangelization, Scripture, and apologetic workshops on the parish and diocesan levels; and has worked with many parishes to improve their evangelization efforts.His published books include Who is Jesus Christ? Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew (Our Sunday Visitor 2010), Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaría Escrivá (Our Sunday Visitor 2012), and The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did (Catholic Answers Press 2017). He also authored the high school textbook Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (Midwest Theological Forum 2013). In addition he has published articles in Crisis Magazine, Catholic Answers, The Federalist, Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, OnePet

Often, when we recall Our Lord's Passion, the scenes flash by so quickly that deeper recollection is difficult. This forty-day meditation on the fourteen Stations of the Cross, designed for use in your home, presents them for you and your family in slow motion, inviting you to dwell upon each event along the Way of the Cross for three or four days. Daily Scripture passages, prayers, and insights from the saints will help you pause, ponder, and contemplate each step of the way as you walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. Drawn from the writings of the Church Fathers and prayers of the saints, these Lenten meditations plumb the depths of meaning of each station to enliven your experience in praying this popular, long-standing devotion, seasonally or throughout the year. Classic illustrations appear throughout to help you behold your Savior and unite your sufferings more intimately with His in each scene. Penetrating yet practical daily questions are included for further reflection or discussion. The meditations in this book are rooted in the treasury of the Church, interspersing traditions and methods that will sanctify your day and help you grow in holiness. Though perfect for private devotion, this book also serves as a tool for walking the whole family through the sacred season, with reflections written in a style that engages both youth and adults. As you proceed through Lent, these meditations will place in your heart a splinter of Christ's Cross. In His footsteps you will learn: The best interior response to rejection The fruit of the vineyard we are called to gather Two spiritual weapons and two practical tips for overcoming temptation How Veronica's act shows us what we can do to alleviate others' sufferings A time-tested technique to strengthen your resolve to avoid falling into the same sins How Confession can help you "stop the cycle" of sin, bitterness, and greater sin This is a new kind of Stations of the Cross experience, given that the Stations are traditionally prayed all at once, in procession. But like no other, this book will deepen your family's experience of this devotion by exploring in richer detail the mystery of each event on our Lord's road to Calvary.