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Monday, December 19, 2011

O Antiphons: O Radix Jesse! O Flower of Jesse's Stem!

O Radix Jesse!  
O Flower of Jesse's stem, 
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; 
kings stand silent in your presence; 
the nations bow down in worship before you.
  Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.


THE STORY OF THE JESSE TREE Jesse was the father of the great King David of the Old Testament. He is often looked upon as the first person in the genealogy of Jesus.

In Church art a design developed showing the relationship of Jesus with Jesse and other biblical personages. This design showed a branched tree growing from a reclining figure of Jesse. The various branches had pictures of other Old and New Testament figures who were ancestors of Jesus. At the top of the tree were figures of Mary and Jesus. This design was used mostly in stained glass windows in some of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. The Cathedral of Chartres (which was dedicated in 1260) has a particularly beautiful Jesse Tree window.
Learn more about the Jesse tree here.

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