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Does Advent in your home feel more like chaos than Christ? Jim and Meghan sit down with sisters Marci Maurer Nunnery and Melinda Marshburn, who share how a simple family tradition, the Jesse Tree, helped anchor their children in Scripture and the true story of salvation. From its roots in Melinda’s mother-in-law’s handmade gift to a ministry now blessing families across denominations, this conversation shines a light on how the Jesse Tree transforms Advent into a season of faith, prayer, and family unity.
What’s in this episode:
- The origin of the Jesse Tree tradition in Marci and Melinda’s family
- How a handmade gift from Melinda’s mother-in-law grew into a ministry
- Why the Jesse Tree is deeply rooted in both Scripture and Catholic tradition
- Making Advent a time of prayerful focus rather than holiday chaos
- How daily readings, ornaments, and prayers engage kids of all ages
- Stories of how the Jesse Tree has impacted families, parishes, and schools
- Practical ways parents can adapt readings for little ones or busy evenings
- How the Jesse Tree creates space for fathers to lead spiritually at home
- A moving testimony of forgiveness inspired by Joseph’s story in Genesis
- One resource every Catholic family should know: The Word Among Us
- Book they’re currently reading: The Memory of Lavender and Sage and Paris to the Pyrenees
- Favorite book: Camino pilgrimage stories and faith reflections
- Advice to their younger selves: Learn more languages and give yourself grace
- Final wisdom for listeners: Remind your children daily that they are sons and daughters of the King
Resources Mentioned:
The Jesse Tree – Book, banner, and handmade ornaments to guide families through Advent
The Word Among Us – Daily Scripture readings and meditations
Pray As You Go – Online daily prayer resource
Hallow App – Catholic prayer app with rosaries and meditations
Memories of Lavender and Sage – A beautifully written novel set in France
