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As the Christmas season approaches, many families look for meaningful ways to focus on Jesus’ birth. If you’re a parent wanting to keep Christ at the center of Advent, then a Jesse Tree is a beautiful tradition to consider.
What is a Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree is an Advent activity that traces the story of Jesus’ lineage and God’s plan for salvation from the very beginning. Each day of December, families read a Bible story that points to the coming of Christ. This tradition is named after Jesse, the father of King David, from whom Jesus descended. Isaiah 11:1 prophesies, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit,” foretelling the coming of Jesus.
Using a Jesse Tree, you and your children can journey through the Bible and discover how each story from Creation to Christmas points to Jesus. For each story, a symbol is added to the Jesse Tree, representing key moments or people in salvation history. It’s a wonderful, hands-on way to prepare young hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
What’s included in our new Jesse Tree activity set:
To make this tradition accessible and engaging for young children, we’ve created a Jesse Tree activity set! It includes everything you need to start your Jesse Tree journey this Advent season. Here’s what I’ve included:
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Daily Coloring Pages-
Each day, children can color a unique illustration that represents the day’s story, from Adam and Eve to the birth of Jesus. These pages are designed to be simple yet meaningful. Perfect for little hands to color while learning about each Bible character or event.
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Daily Reading and Discussion Page-
Every day comes with a short Bible reading and a few discussion questions that bring out the story’s message and its connection to Jesus. This page encourages family conversations about how each story points to Christ, helping children understand and remember these powerful moments.
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Ornament Templates-
For each story, there’s an ornament template that matches the coloring page, available in both color and black and white (so children can color their own if they’d like). These ornaments can be cut out and hung on your Jesse Tree each day, making it a daily, hands-on activity that visually grows throughout Advent.
As I drew each image, I did my best to pay special attention to detail.
I wanted to stay away from the cartoony images we frequently see in children’s Bible activities (as much as my artistic abilities would allow, anyway).
For example, The image of Jonah doesn’t show him being swallowed by a whale but instead by a large prehistoric-looking fish. Jonah 1:17: “And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” No whale was mentioned so I didn’t draw one.
The ark for Noah isn’t a little tug-boat-looking vessel with a smiling giraffe sticking out of the top. I actually went to the Creation Museum site and looked at images of the ark that has been recreated using the description in the Bible. And the rainbow has the full seven colors of the spectrum.
The verses for Elijah say that he used twelve stones to build the altar, so I drew twelve stones.
All this to say, I was careful and prayerful about how I created this set. Not only is it fun, but it’s as accurate as I could possibly make it.
How to use the activity set:
Set Up Your Jesse Tree-
Your “tree” doesn’t necessarily have to be your Christmas tree. It can be as simple as a small branch placed in a vase, a homemade felt tree on the wall, or hung on a line with clothespins. Each day, you’ll add an ornament symbolizing the story you read and discuss.
Daily Reading and Reflection-
Gather together, open the day’s Bible passage using the included guide, and read the story. Afterward, use the provided discussion questions to talk about the story’s meaning and how it points to Jesus. Let your kids color the day’s corresponding page while you read!
Color and Add Your Ornament-
After reading and discussing, your children can color their ornament (or use the pre-colored version) and hang it on your Jesse Tree. Over the days, they’ll see the tree fill with symbols of hope and redemption, building excitement as you approach Christmas Day.
There are several ways you can assemble the ornaments.
I used a 2.5″ circle punch to cut out the ornament templates. Although good ol’ scissors will do the job just fine. Then I mounted them to premade wood ornaments using Mod Podge glue. You could also mount the symbols to colorful card stock circle cutouts and simply use a single-hole punch to thread them onto ribbon. There are so many possibilities! A full list of the tools I used can be found here.
You might also enjoy reading: A Christ-Centered Easter With Kids
Why Start a Jesse Tree Tradition?
The Jesse Tree offers a unique way to celebrate Advent that’s rich in biblical history and focused on Jesus. Children gain a greater understanding of how every story in the Bible is connected to Jesus and God’s love for us by reflecting on God’s plan from creation to Christ. It’s a tradition that brings the family together! It encourages daily Bible reading, and provides children with a creative, hands-on way to engage with Scripture.
Our activity set is perfect for young homeschoolers and adaptable for a range of ages. Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or add depth to your Advent season, this set is for you. It provides everything you need to guide your family through a meaningful Christmas countdown.
Ready to start a Jesse Tree tradition with your family?
This Advent, help your children see Jesus in every story and discover the true reason for the season. The Jesse Tree tradition can be a beautiful addition to your family’s Christmas. A tradition that creates memories and teaches timeless truths that will stay with your children for years to come.
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