The prophet Jeremiah says that “a righteous Branch” will spring up for Jesse’s son, King David. This branch is a colorful symbol for the season of Advent, and we can all picture it in our imaginations. Deep black roots, sturdy brown branches, tender green shoots — very much like what the prophet Isaiah says, “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”
We sing about it at Christmas, “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming, from tender stem hath sprung, of Jesse’s lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung.”
The “righteous Branch” is so easy to see, and beautiful to sing about. But what in the world does it mean?
The “righteous Branch” is so easy to see, and beautiful to sing about. But what in the world does it mean?
