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.
Print symbols here
Click on the number
corresponding to the
date in December.
Sunday 1st December
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
Learn
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.
… just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new
king will arise from among David's descendants.
Isaiah 11: 1-10
Pray
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.
ACT
Encourage your
parents/carers/teachers to join you
in using this Advent Calendar each
day. www.caritas.org.au/advent
Monday 2nd December
Creation
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed,
it was very good.
Genesis 1: 31
Learn
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.
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was
very good.
Genesis 1: 31
Pray
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
ACT
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’.
Tuesday 3rd December
Dignity
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
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 and
grow their own vegetables.
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
Pray
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
ACT
Learn more about the PUJLLAY
project.
Watch this short animated
children’s video clip.
Wednesday 4th December
Salvation
The waters swelled and increased greatly on the
earth; and the ark floated on the face of the waters.
Genesis 7:11-20
Learn
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.
The waters swelled and increased greatly on the earth;
and the ark floated on the face of the waters.
Genesis 7:11-20
Pray
Protector God,
I pray that I too can be a symbol
of salvation, an ark for people
experiencing the storms of life.
Amen
ACT
Find out how many emergencies
Caritas Australia is currently
responding to and pray for the
people affected.
Visit our website
Thursday 5th December
Family
“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are
able to count them.”
Genesis 15: 1-6
Learn
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.
“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able
to count them.”
Genesis 15: 1-6
Pray
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
ACT
Use Caritas Australia’s
Syria Prayer PowerPoint
to pray for all the people
affected by this crisis.
Friday 6th December
Solidarity
"...So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and
your little ones.”
Genesis 50: 15-21
Learn
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.
"...So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your
little ones.”
Genesis 50: 15-21
Pray
Loving God,
Help me to help others in
solidarity, just as Rolly helped his
neighbour at a time when he
himself had little.
Amen
ACT
Reach out to another student
who you wouldn’t normally play
with today.
Saturday 7th December
Justice
The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on
the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard
service…
Exodus 1:8-14
Learn
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.
The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the
Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service…
Exodus 1:8-14
Pray
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
ACT
Find out if your school or parish is collecting
items for Christmas hampers and ask your
parents if you can contribute.
Sunday 8th December
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
Learn
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.
“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
Exodus 3:1-6
Pray
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
ACT
Learn more about Djilpin Arts in
this 2min video clip on the annual
Walking with Spirits festival.
Monday 9th December
Thanksgiving
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
Learn
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.
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
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Tuesday 10th December
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
Learn
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
... those who gathered much had nothing over, and those
who gathered little had no shortage…
Exodus 16: 13-21
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Wednesday 11th December
Land
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
Learn
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.
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
Pray
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
ACT
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?
Thursday 12th December
Answering God's call
And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is
listening.”
1 Samuel 3: 8-10
Learn
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.
And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3: 8-10
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Friday 13th December
Promise
He shall build a house for my name, and I will
establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2 Samuel 7: 12-17
Learn
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
He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish
the throne of his kingdom forever.
2 Samuel 7: 12-17
Pray
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
ACT
Did you know that our generation has
already halved extreme poverty?
Tell someone this good news today!
Saturday 14th December
Wisdom
"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind
to govern your people, able to discern between
good and evil …”
1 Kings 3: 9-15
Learn
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.
"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to
govern your people, able to discern between good and evil…”
1 Kings 3: 9-15
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Sunday 15th December
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
Learn
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.
“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
Pray
God of Transformation,
May I be aware of the decisions
that I make and the impact these
have on others.
Amen
ACT
Think of the environment this
Christmas. Instead of buying
something new as a present, is
there something you can make or
recycle?
Monday 16th December
Hope
“I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he
answered me; ..."
Jonah 2:1-10
Learn
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 terracestrengthening plants provides added security from soil erosion and
landslides.
“I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered
me; ..."
Jonah 2:1-10
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Tuesday 17th December
Women
From 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
Learn
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.
“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
Pray
God of Justice,
Pray for us, that we may build a
world of inclusion and equal
rights.
Amen
ACT
Make a Christmas poster to
express the message you would
like everyone to remember when
preparing for Christmas.
Wednesday 18th December
Protecting others
...learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the
oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1: 10-20
Learn
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 to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1: 10-20
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Thursday 19th December
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
Learn
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.
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it
be with me according to your word.”
Luke 1: 26-38
Pray
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
ACT
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.
Friday 20th December
Celebration
John answered them, “I baptize with water… "
John 1: 19-28
Learn
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.
John answered them, “I baptize with water… "
John 1: 19-28
Pray
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
ACT
Find out more using this 'Water: Global Facts' sheet.
Pray for all people to have access to clean water
Saturday 21st December
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
Learn
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.
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
Pray
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
ACT
Light a candle and take time to think
about, pray for and give thanks for
those who shine light in your world.
Sunday 22nd December
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
Learn
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.
… 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
Pray
God of Compassion,
You walk alongside us day by day. Help
us to walk in solidarity with our First
Australians.
Amen
ACT
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.
Monday 23rd December
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
Learn
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.
… 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
Pray
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
ACT
Does your family have a
traditional Christmas recipe?
Perhaps make this as a gift for
someone this Christmas.
Tuesday 24th December
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
Learn
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)
He went to be registered with Mary...who was expecting
a child.
Luke 2:1-5
Pray
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
ACT
What do you think Jesus would like for his birthday?
Write a list and think how you can give these gifts to Jesus.
Wednesday 25th December
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
Learn
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.
“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
Pray
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
ACT
View our Safe Motherhood
Program photo gallery or watch a
short film
Root of Jesse
1st December
Creation
2nd December
Dignity
3rd December
Noah’s Ark
4th December
Stars of Abraham
5th December
Joseph’s Coat
6th December
Pyramids
7th December
Burning Bush
8th December
Parting Seas
9th December
Sand Dunes
10th December
Stone Tablets
11th December
Oil Lamp
12th December
Star of David
13th December
Altar
14th December
Temple of Solomon
15th December
Whale
16th December
Sword and Shield
17th December
Burning Coal
18th December
Angel
19th December
Cockle Shell
20th December
Christ, our light
21st December
Carpenter’s Tools
22nd December
Star
23rd December
Bethlehem
24th December
Baby in a manger
25th December