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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