The word Advent means "coming." During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts once again for the arrival of Jesus. The following prayer celebration is penitential in nature. Use this liturgy as a non-sacramental opportunity to deepen awareness of the need for healing and forgiveness.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Advent for additional background information and prayer.

See also the "Root of Jesse" activity from Feasts and Seasons–Kids–Advent–Level 5.


"O Root of Jesse" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Anticipating Jesus’ coming in Scripture
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and Advent Wreath or candle, music, bare branch, string, scissors, Jesse tree symbols (Click here to printout Jesse tree symbols)
Reading		Isaiah 11:1-11
Music		"Stay Awake, Be Ready," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications), "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," Blest Are We CD 7-8, "On that Holy Mountain," Joe Mattingly (WLP Publications)
Preparation		Before the celebration, read Isaiah 11:1-11 with your group and discuss the role of Jesus as Messiah. The liturgy is set up for use during the 4 weeks of Advent. Invite participants to write a brief reflection on the theme for each week: gifts of the Spirit, just judgment, restoration of the goodness of creation, and the outreach to all peoples. Select one or more reflections to be shared for each theme during the liturgy. Print out and photocopy liturgy, "O Root of Jesse." Place a bare branch in a sturdy vase, to hold Jesse tree symbols. You may choose to place additional symbols on the 'tree’ prior to the liturgy itself.
Adaptation		Instead of dividing the liturgy into the four weeks, you could complete it in one session. Limit reflects to one for each theme. Provide symbols for each participant and encourage them to create Jesse trees at home.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Blest Are We CD, Level/Grade 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2