Jesse Tree Ornament - The Shell

"For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Matthew 3:3 (KJB)

Patterns for the Jesse Tree Shell Symbol.

Color suggestion for painting the shell symbol.

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:1-3 (KJB)

A painted sample of the shell symbol on
the Jesse Tree.

       The baptism of John was evidently a preparatory ordinance. He came to "prepare the way of the Lord." He preached to the people that the Messiah was coming, and exhorted them to prepare to receive him; and in order that they might be prepared, called them to repentance and baptism. 

       One part of the design of John's baptism as stated by himself, shows it to have been entirely distinct from Christian baptism: "That he (Christ) should be made manifest to Israel, therefore I come baptizing with water," John 1: 31. It was an important part of the object of John's ministry and baptism, to point out the Messiah of the Jewish people, bear public testimony in his behalf, and induct him, by the washing of water, into the ministry. 

       Christian baptism originated in the express command of Christ: "Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." 

• Return to The Jesse Tree Index
• Craft tear drop shaped Chrismons with shells 
• Handmade Pearl Ornament
• Baptism tags at Christian Clip Art Review