The Jesse Tree is an Advent tradition that goes back to the medieval times. It was used to help Christians remember the stories from the creation until Jesus' birth. This tradition was named as such after the father of David, who became king of Israel.
“A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1
In the olden times, The Jesse Tree could only be found on stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals or on tapestries.
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The Tree of Jesse: genealogical tree sprouting from Jesse's loins
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Tree of Jesse from BL Arundel 307, f. 16v
Our family began this tradition two years ago. My son and I thought of making a small Christmas tree at that time. Of course what's a tree without ornaments? I decided that they would be Jesus' family.
Below this post you will find a link to a free downloadable template of The Jesse Tree ornament which I made.
Ways to use the Jesse Tree Ornament Template
If you have young kids who love to color, give them the pages of the printout to color themselves first. This would keep them quiet for a few minutes! For the littlest ones, maybe a few seconds? Allow them to ask questions if they are curious about a symbol or a character, but don't tell the whole story! Tell them that you will learn more about each person as Christmas approaches.
Some families use the Jesse Tree also as an Advent countdown. They would hang one ornament on the Christmas tree or a smaller tree (may be a fallen branch) and read from the Bible. If you have little ones, a Children's Bible would usually have the stories of Jesus' family. After all, This is the love story of God and His people.
After you have colored the ornaments, you may cut each one and glue the character and their symbol back to back. The older children can also do the cutting but of course the little one who are willing also can. Then punch a little hole on the top and put a string or ribbon. You may want to keep the other ornaments away from the very young and curious in your family and take one out each day. Take turns in hanging the ornaments.
Choose a special time to do this tradition as a family, after the Advent Prayer in the evening perhaps? Then read the story of each character together.
Let me know in the comments how you did your Jesse Tree this Christmas, perhaps you have other ideas you could share?
Or tell me about the best (and worst - crafting can go wrong with the young and the curious) that has happened in you family this Advent.
God bless you
Weena
More resources for The Jesse Tree
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/the-jesse-tree/
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/jessetrees.shtml
https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-trees/
The Jesse Tree printable Template
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