Teacher Notes- Click the number on the tree corresponding to the date in December.- Click to move to the next slide- Click to return to the tree - For help making a link between the story and the scripture or prayer, please look in the ‘notes’ section. - Make your own Jesse Tree - Print and cut out the symbol each day, write a prayer on the back and add it to your tree. Symbols can be printed from the slides at the end of this PowerPoint.

About the Jesse Tree

Have you ever seen a family tree?

In ancient times, when few people could read, the ancestors of Christ were sometimes shown as part of a ‘Jesse Tree’, which is named after the father of King David. The Jesse Tree reminds us of characters and events that prepared God’s people for the birth of Jesus.

Join us as we use the Jesse Tree this Advent to learn, pray and act for a more just world.

Click on the number corresponding to the

date in December.Print symbols here

Caritas Australia’s partner in Bolivia, INDEPO, is working with communities to prevent soil erosion and provide an income through an olive production and processing project.

6,500 olive tree seedlings were planted into a drought-affected area of Pasorapa. A water tank truck is used to water the crops.

Families now have hope for the future.

Learn

Jesse Tree…just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants. Isaiah 11: 1-10

Sunday 1st December

Pray

… just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants. Isaiah 11: 1-10

Encourage your parents/carers/teachers to join you in using this Advent Calendar each day. www.caritas.org.au/advent

ACT

God of Hope, Even when it seems all is lost, you can bring about new life. This Advent may I turn away from all my fears and place my trust in you.Amen.

Caritas Australia's partner, Caritas Huacho, is working with communities in remote areas of Peru to have enough food to eat.

In one community, 5,400 seed potatoes were planted, resulting in a harvest of 13,400 kilos of potatoes.

Families now have more to eat, and excess to sell for an income.

Learn

CreationGod saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1: 31

Monday 2nd December

Pray

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1: 31

The word ‘Advent’ means “the coming”. Create a focal area at home or school to help you prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. You could include an Advent wreath, candles, Bible, prayers and the words ‘hope’, ‘love’, ‘joy’ and ‘peace’.

ACT

Loving God, Creation was your first gift of almighty love. May I consider how I treat the earth and all creation that you have entrusted to our care with love and respect. Amen

The PUJLLAY program in Bolivia, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, ASONGS, is helping children and adolescents to understand and protect their rights.

They learn how to care for their environment, stay healthy andgrow their own vegetables.

Learn

DignitySo God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.Genesis 1:26-28

Tuesday 3rd December

Pray

So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.Genesis 1:26-28

Learn more about the PUJLLAY project. Watch this short animated children’s video clip.

ACT

Holy Spirit, Help me to respect the dignity and rights of all people in order to help build a world of justice and peace. Amen

It is really important to work with communities before natural disasters hit. This is called Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

In Samoa, shipping containers stocked with essential relief supplies were put in place just in case there was an emergency.

When Cyclone Evan hit Samoa in Dec last year, these supplies, that were already in place, helped Caritas Samoa to help people immediately.

Learn

SalvationThe waters swelled and increased greatly on the earth; and the ark floated on the face of the waters.Genesis 7:11-20

Wednesday 4th December

Pray

The waters swelled and increased greatly on the earth; and the ark floated on the face of the waters.Genesis 7:11-20

Find out how many emergencies Caritas Australia is currently responding to and pray for the people affected.Visit our website

ACT

Protector God, I pray that I too can be a symbol of salvation, an ark for people experiencing the storms of life. Amen

Ongoing conflict in Syria has left over 8.3 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

Caritas Australia is helping over 100,000 people by providing food, health care, educational and social services, water and sanitation, shelter and blankets.

Learn

Family“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.”Genesis 15: 1-6

Thursday 5th December

Pray

“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.”Genesis 15: 1-6

Use Caritas Australia’s Syria Prayer PowerPoint to pray for all the people affected by this crisis.

ACT

God of Abraham, You were faithful to your promises. Help us to be faithful to our promise to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Amen

Rolly and his family were devastated when Typhoon Bopha ripped through the Philippines destroying his coconut farm. He was able to join a Caritas partner program to help restore his farm.

When Rolly heard that the program only helps farmers, he gave permission to his neighbour, who doesn't have any land, to use 3,000m² of his own farmland.

Learn

Solidarity"...So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” Genesis 50: 15-21

Friday 6th December

Pray

"...So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” Genesis 50: 15-21

Reach out to another student who you wouldn’t normally play with today.

ACT

Loving God,Help me to help others in solidarity, just as Rolly helped his neighbour at a time when he himself had little. Amen

Marshal lives with a disability and requires a wheelchair. In August last year, Marshal’s community selected him to receive a toilet facility built especially for his needs with the support from Caritas Australia’s partner in Zimbabwe, Caritas Harare .

Marshal’s life has improved. He is now able to access the toilet on his own and his risk of water and sanitation related diseases has decreased.

Learn

JusticeThe Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service…Exodus 1:8-14

Saturday 7th December

Pray

The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service…Exodus 1:8-14

Find out if your school or parish is collecting items for Christmas hampers and ask your parents if you can contribute.

ACT

God of Justice, Advent is a time to repent of ways I've hurt people. But who repents for the hurts experienced by those living in extreme poverty? Give me the wisdom and strength to work towards a world where everyone has their fair share. Amen

Thanks to the Development of Cultural Enterprise program which is supported by Caritas Australia, Augustina from Beswick in the Northern Territory is able to work within her community and learn more about her rich heritage and culture.

She likes meeting different people who come through the Ghunmarn Cultural Centre and taking the Elders to their art exhibitions. Augustina always knew she wanted to live and work in her home town of Beswick and now she has this chance.

Learn

Community“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”Exodus 3:1-6

Sunday 8th December

Pray

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”Exodus 3:1-6

Learn more about Djilpin Arts in this 2min video clip on the annual Walking with Spirits festival.

ACT

Loving God, Just as Augustina has been able to learn about and value her culture and community, may I too value those that have come before me and strive to participate in my own family and in my local and global community.Amen

Caritas Australia’s partners in Africa are working with communities to determine what strengths the community already has. These could be physical, economic, environmental or skills related.

Programs are then designed with the communities to build on their existing strengths. This approach is empowering and sustainable.

Learn

ThanksgivingThe Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Exodus 14: 21-22

Monday 9th December

Pray

The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Exodus 14: 21-22

In 2000, world leaders came together and agreed to overcome poverty through 8 goals by 2015. These goals are known as the Millennium Development Goals, and the 2015 deadline is fast approaching.

Learn more about these goals and how Caritas is helping.

ACT

Almighty God, May I use the strengths you have given me to work for a just and fair world, a world in balance, at peace and free of poverty. Amen

The Australia Africa Community Engagement Scheme (AACES*) in Malawi has been very successful. Families have gone from producing 100kg to 750kg of maize per acre. Their groundnut production has increased from 25kg to 200kg per half acre. This has greatly improved food security in the area.

They have achieved this through seed distribution and by learning new farming techniques. * Supported by AusAID

Learn

Take, eat, share... those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed. Exodus 16: 13-21

Tuesday 10th December

Pray

... those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage…Exodus 16: 13-21

The AACES program not only focuses on food security, but water and sanitation too. Regina shares her story of surviving a crocodile attack and the transformation for the whole community now that they have built a bore water pump close to the village.Watch this 2 min video of their story.

ACT

God of Plenty, You provided for your people in the desert. May we continue to be your working hands by supporting Caritas Australia and the communities with whom they work. Amen

Caritas Australia's local partner, Caritas Harare, is working with communities in Zimbabwe. Farmers have learned how to farm livestock and how to sell their produce at market.

They now have more food to feed their families and their income has increased. Farmers used to earn $5 per month, but now earn $30 per month.

Learn

LandHonour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.Exodus 20

Wednesday 11th December

Pray

Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20

Take the food quiz today and think about your own food consumption. Where did it come from, who produced it, is it nourishing, and is it Fair Trade?

ACT

Lord,May I be faithful to your commandments and be conscious of how my actions impact the land and lives of others who provide my source of food.Amen

Caritas Australia’s local partner in Laos, has been able to establish a transitional home for street children.

Last year, 138 children were provided with continual support, access to education and job skills to help keep them off the streets.

The program helps the children to support each other, become independent and have a safe future.

Learn

Answering God's callAnd Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3: 8-10

Thursday 12th December

Pray

And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3: 8-10

The work of Caritas Australia is guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. View this PowerPoint and think about how you can apply these principles at school and home today.

ACT

Jesus Teacher,Help me to value what I learn beyond exams and to recognise how my education has changed me and provided opportunities for a new future. Amen

The Deaf Development Program in Cambodia is supported by Caritas Australia* and specialises in sign language and job skills. It helps young people living with a hearing impairment to communicate and get a job.

One person who has benefited is David. He is now able to read and write basic Khmer, and by using his new job skills, has opened his own barber shop. His family now has more income. * with support from AusAID

Learn

PromiseHe shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.2 Samuel 7: 12-17

Friday 13th December

Pray

He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.2 Samuel 7: 12-17

Did you know that our generation has already halved extreme poverty? Tell someone this good news today!

ACT

Loving God, Help our leaders fulfil their promise to achieve all eight of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. A promise they made in the year 2000. Amen

Through Caritas Australia's partner, YMTM, the Integrated Village Development Program in West Timor is training community members to work together as a group to increase their crop production. This is helping to prevent the annual food shortages they have experienced in the past.

The farmers are also learning new techniques used in farming dry land so they are able to take advantage of more arid land around their village.

Learn

Wisdom"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil …”1 Kings 3: 9-15

Saturday 14th December

Pray

"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil…”1 Kings 3: 9-15

ACT

Lord God, Just like the communities in West Timor who are achieving great results by working together, help us work together too. For when we work together we can achieve great things. Amen

Make a paper chain. Write the names of family, friends and the many other people in our world today that also need our love on strips of coloured paper. Link all the strips together to make a decorative chain and to remind you of who to pray for this Advent season.

Before joining the Integrated Village Development Program in West Timor, Ruben was struggling to support his family. However, Ruben now has money for food through income generation activities.

He owns three pigs, a goat, six chickens and some cattle. Ruben has excelled, becoming the president of the savings and loan group: he is a community leader and an innovator.

Learn

Faith“O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding..."1 Kings 18: 36-39

Sunday 15th December

Pray

“O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding...“ 1 Kings 18: 36-39

Think of the environment this Christmas. Instead of buying something new as a present, is there something you can make or recycle?

ACT

God of Transformation,May I be aware of the decisions that I make and the impact these have on others.Amen

Much of the area of Belu district, West Timor, is dry and mountainous, and can be difficult to farm. To overcome this, the Integrated Village Development Program is helping farmers learn how to use upland terracing. In addition, the planting of terrace-strengthening plants provides added security from soil erosion and landslides.

Learn

Hope“I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; ..."Jonah 2:1-10

Monday 16th December

Pray

“I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; ..."Jonah 2:1-10

Changes to our climate primarily affect the world’s poorest people. Caritas Australia is helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of these changes, which are already affecting millions of people. Learn more by watching our film, Sweet Water.

ACT

God of Hope, Many communities around the world have found new ways to live and thrive. Help me to recognise that with faith in you, I too can thrive and find new ways to reach out to others.Amen

Kamala first joined the community cooperative in Nepal nine years ago when she was struggling to make ends meet. She is now the cooperative manager and is able to provide food and education for her children, save enough money to buy more land for farming and build a small hut.

Kamala explains that their cooperative is now able to reach out to community members, supporting the poorest of the poor. Kamala explains that being able to help other women makes her happy and proud.

Learn

WomenFrom a distance Judith called out to the sentries at the gates, “Open, open the gate! God, our God, is with us, still showing his power in Israel and his strength against our enemies...”Judith 13: 11-20

Tuesday 17th December

Pray

“Open, open the gate! God, our God, is with us, still showing his power in Israel and his strength against our enemies, as he has done today!” Judith 13: 11-20

Make a Christmas poster to express the message you would like everyone to remember when preparing for Christmas.

ACT

God of Justice,Pray for us, that we may build a world of inclusion and equal rights. Amen

Life for Bach and his family was difficult. He lost his fingers in a mining accident and his eldest daughter is unable to hear or walk. However, with support from Caritas Australia’s partner in Vietnam, Bach was able to join a support group for people with disabilities. He is also successfully raising pigs and growing the family’s food.

As he and others with disabilities come together to learn skills, they gradually develop more confidence. Lives and incomes are improving.

Learn

Protecting others...learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1: 10-20

Wednesday 18th December

Pray

...learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1: 10-20

Be Aware!Visit our global issues website and learn at least 3 facts about an issue that interests you. Share these facts with someone else.

ACT

Loving God,May all people who are given the responsibility to protect others be strong and honest in all they do. May I also seek opportunities to be a voice, speaking against injustices in my local and my global community. Amen

As Vanuatu lies across the Pacific Rim of Fire there are many active volcanoes and the area is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis and cyclones. When the water supply is interrupted by a natural disaster the impact is immediate and can be life-threatening to isolated communities.

Caritas Australia is working with communities to cope better in an emergency by ensuring they have at least two improved sources of water they can access.

Learn

Mothers Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1: 26-38

Thursday 19th December

Pray

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1: 26-38

Make the most of the gift of clean drinking water that is so readily accessible to us here in Australia and say 'no' to bottled water.

ACT

Lord, At a time when the meaning of Christmas can become lost amongst the busyness of end of year events, shopping, and cooking, help us to remain focused on the real meaning of Advent.Amen

In Zimbabwe, Caritas Australia has supported local partner, Caritas Harare, to repair and build 32 boreholes.

This has reduced walking distances from 2km to 400m for accessing safe water. Having access to clean water helps the community to stay healthy.

Learn

Celebration John answered them, “I baptize with water… "John 1: 19-28

Friday 20th December

Pray

John answered them, “I baptize with water… "John 1: 19-28

Find out more using this 'Water: Global Facts' sheet.Pray for all people to have access to clean water

ACT

God of Life, We give thanks for the 6.2 billion people who now have access to clean water and pray that efforts will continue to ensure the remaining 738 million people who don't have access to clean water will not be forgotten. Amen

Bae Lisa lives in Mindanao in the Philippines with her husband and nine children. She is a traditional leader of the Talaandig tribe.

She works for peace as part of Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC).Bae Lisa was trained by MPC in peace-building, how to respond to disasters, advocacy (standing up for people’s rights) and leadership. Now she is part of MPC’s Council.

When conflict occurs, she helps people flee to a safe place and encourages people to talk instead of fight.

Learn

Light The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.Isaiah 9: 2-7

Saturday 21st December

Pray

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. Isaiah 9: 2-7

Light a candle and take time to think about, pray for and give thanks for those who shine light in your world.

ACT

God of Light, I give thanks for people Bae Lisa who are confronting the darkness by working for peace. May I recognise the darkness in the world around me and find a way to let my light shine. Amen

Red Dust Healing, supported by Caritas Australia, conducts workshops and trains community members to work with some of the most vulnerable Aboriginal communities in Australia.

Darryl first participated in the program in April 2012. He then became a community trainer and has conducted 4 workshops to help others learn the tools to deal with the hurt they feel.

Learn

Trust … an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid …”Matthew 1: 18-25

Sunday 22nd December

Pray

… an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid …”Matthew 1: 18-25

How have your ancestors prepared for or celebrated Christmas in the past? Ask your parents/grandparents what special traditions have been passed on. Record them on a family tree.

ACT

God of Compassion,You walk alongside us day by day. Help us to walk in solidarity with our First Australians.Amen

The first two trainees to come through Western Desert Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation's Wellbeing Project, Cassandra and Joshua, have achieved jobs, building on the skills they learnt making and selling traditional bush balms and catering events around Alice Springs with the project.

Learn

Guidance… they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2: 7-12

Monday 23rd December

Pray

… they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2: 7-12

Does your family have a traditional Christmas recipe? Perhaps make this as a gift for someone this Christmas.

ACT

Holy Spirit,Guide me to see the 'stars' in my life - the people or opportunities that guide me on my journey of faith and life. Amen

The 1983-2009 civil war between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers* killed over 60,000 people and displaced 500,000 more.

While the battle in the north of Sri Lanka has stopped, there are still many people in need. Caritas Australia has supported over 1,000 families to rebuild their lives through activities such as fishing and agriculture. *(Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)

Learn

Safety Joseph also went …to Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary...who was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5

Tuesday 24th December

Pray

He went to be registered with Mary...who was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5

What do you think Jesus would like for his birthday? Write a list and think how you can give these gifts to Jesus.

ACT

Lord God, This Christmas Eve, as we recall the story of an inn-keeper providing a safe place for your son Jesus to be born, we pray for the many people also seeking refuge from places affected by conflict or natural disasters. Amen

Caritas Australia has been working in partnership with Caritas Bangladesh to deliver the Safe Motherhood Program.

This program trains midwives to provide quality care for mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. They also work with new mothers on how to care for their babies.

Learn

Christmas - Rejoice!“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”Matthew 1: 18-25

Wednesday 25th December

Pray

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1: 18-25

View our Safe Motherhood Program photo gallery or watch a short film

ACT

Loving God, As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that Caritas partners and their communities continue to inspire us to challenge poverty and injustice in the coming year. Amen

1st December 2nd December

Root of Jesse Creation

3rd December 4th December

Dignity Noah’s Ark

5th December 6th December

Stars of Abraham Joseph’s Coat

7th December 8th December

Pyramids Burning Bush

9th December 10th December

Parting Seas Sand Dunes

11th December 12th December

Stone Tablets Oil Lamp

13th December 14th December

Star of David Altar

15th December 16th December

Temple of Solomon Whale

17th December 18th December

Sword and Shield Burning Coal

19th December 20th December

Angel Cockle Shell

21st December 22nd December

Christ, our light Carpenter’s Tools

23rd December 24th December

Star Bethlehem

25th December

Baby in a manger