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