There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.  

- Isaiah 11:1

When I read the prophetic expectation of a future “branch” that will bear fruit from the “stump of Jesse,” I think of my grandma's Christmas tree.

She always had a tree decorated with cardinals and robins—I loved that tree as a little boy.

It was so symbolic of peace and joy. It was a tree where life nested in its’ branches.

What is the fruit that is born from His “branch”?

We learn the answer in another prophetic text, Zechariah 3:8-10:

“Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

Because Jesus, the Branch, has come, your sin is removed, and you can invite your neighbors, friends, and family to come and experience the same sweet forgiveness.

There is life, life to the full, nested in the Branch of the tree of David!

Today’s Reflection & Action:

As you gather with your family and friends, make the gospel of the forgiveness of sins a central part of your conversation.

Of all the people you know, who can you invite to come to the Branch? Invite them over this Christmas and show them life to the full.

Faithfully,
Pastor Chris

Paper Sunday is blessed to collaborate with Chris Harper on this Advent Devotional Series.

Chris Harper is a speaker, writer, and disciple-maker. Chris is President of 252Edu, a consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Chris serves schools, churches, and non-profits by helping them "grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and man.”

When not taking ground for King Jesus, you can find Chris on the basketball court playing a pick-up game. Chris is a sneakerhead, an avid reader, and loves a good cheeseburger. You can follow him @252consulting on Instagram.