Making Advent a Season of Prayer, Tradition, and Family Unity
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