Discover the Jesse Tree for Kids, a meaningful Advent tradition that teaches children about the Bible and Jesus’ family tree through daily symbols and stories. Learn how to use a Jesse Tree with your family, find out its symbols, and explore our printable Jesse Tree craft set with ornaments and coloring pages. Perfect for family devotionals, Sunday school, and Christian education.
The Jesse Tree is a wonderful way to teach children about the Bible and the family tree of Jesus. This centuries-old tradition connects kids to the biblical stories and characters that lead to the birth of Jesus. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the Jesse Tree is, how to use it with your family, the symbols that represent the stories, and how to make the experience extra special with a printable Tree of Jesse craft set, including ornaments and coloring pages.
What is the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree gets its name from Jesse, the father of King David, and is a visual representation of Jesus’ family tree. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:1, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.” This tree serves as a symbol of the lineage of Jesus, starting with creation and leading through the Old Testament figures to the birth of Christ.
The Jesse Tree helps us remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Bible.
How to Use a Jesse Tree
A Jesse Tree is typically used during Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas, and the birth of the Messiah. For this reason, the tree can also be called “The Advent Tree” or “The Jesus Tree.” Each day, a new symbol is added to the tree, representing a story from the Bible that shows God’s plan for salvation through the ancestors of Jesus Christ. Families can read a Bible verse or story together as they hang the corresponding ornament.
Here’s how to use a Jesse Tree in a few simple steps:
- Prepare your tree: This can be a small tabletop Christmas tree, a poster on the wall, or even bare branches (in a vase) from outside.
- Hang an ornament each day: Each ornament represents a person or story from the Bible, such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, or David.
- Read a passage or story: Share the Bible verse that goes with the ornament to reflect on how God’s plan unfolds through history.
- Enjoy time together: This Christmas tradition and activity is a perfect way to center your family on the meaning of Christmas throughout the Advent season.
Symbols of the Jesse Tree
Each ornament on the Jesse Tree represents a significant biblical character or event that leads up to the birth of Jesus. These symbols help children understand the overarching story of salvation in a hands-on, visual way. Typically, these symbols are displayed on an ornament to be hung each day of the advent season.
Here are some common Jesse Tree symbols and their meanings:
- Apple (Adam and Eve): Represents the fall of man and the need for a Savior.
- Rainbow (Noah): Represents the faithfulness of God and His promise to never flood the earth again.
- Burning Bush (Moses): A symbol of God calling Moses to lead His people.
- Ten Commandments (Moses): A symbol of God’s law given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
- Stars (Abraham): Symbolizing God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
- Ram (Abraham and Isaac): Symbolizes the sacrifice provided by God, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrifice.
- Coat of Many Colors (Joseph): Represents Joseph’s unique role in God’s plan to save his family and preserve the nation of Israel after being sold as a slave into Egypt.
- Oil (Samuel): Symbolizes Samuel’s role in anointing King David and being a faithful prophet, who was dedicated to God from a young age.
- Wheat (Ruth): A reminder of Ruth’s faithfulness and God’s provision, leading to the lineage of Jesus.
- Nativity Scene (Jesus’ Birth): Represents the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise, and the central event of the Christmas season.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more stories and symbols that can be used on a Jesse Tree, depending on the devotionals you choose to follow.
Why You Should Use a Jesse Tree
A Jesse Tree is a fantastic tool for helping children connect with the Bible and the true meaning of Christmas. Here are some reasons to consider adding a Jesse Tree to your family traditions:
1. Teaches Biblical History
The Jesse Tree walks your family through the entire Bible in a simple, visual way, making it easy for children to understand God’s plan for salvation.
2. Hands-on Learning
Children love hands-on activities, and hanging ornaments on a tree is a fun and engaging way to learn about Bible stories. This interactive approach helps kids retain the stories better than just reading.
3. Focuses on Jesus
While Christmas is often filled with distractions, the Jesse Tree helps center your family’s attention on Jesus and the story of His birth.
4. Daily Family Time
Using the Jesse Tree creates an opportunity for family devotions and meaningful conversations during the busy holiday season.
Where Can You Use a Jesse Tree?
The beauty of the Jesse Tree is its versatility. It can be used in various settings beyond your home:
- At Home: You can use the Jesse Tree for family devotionals and as an Advent calendar during the month of December. Each day, your family can gather to hang an ornament, read a Bible passage, and reflect on God’s promises.
- At Church: Sunday school teachers can lead students through the Jesse Tree symbols each week during Advent, helping them understand the stories that lead to the birth of Jesus.
- Homeschooling: Families who homeschool can incorporate the Jesse Tree into their Bible lessons, using each worksheet and ornament to teach children how the Old and New Testaments are connected.
- Christian Schools: This can be a great project for classrooms, where students can learn about Jesus’ lineage and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
- Christmas Parties: Consider using the Jesse Tree at family gatherings or church Christmas parties, where each guest can add an ornament and share a Bible story.
The Jesse Tree Printable Craft Set
To make your Jesse Tree experience even more special, we offer a Jesse Tree Printable Craft Set. This set includes printable ornaments with symbols for each day of Advent, as well as coloring pages that help kids bring the Jesse Tree to life.
What’s included in the craft set:
- Ornaments: 25 printable Jesse Tree ornaments with bright and vibrant artwork to hang on your Jesse Tree
- Reading Plan: 24 Bible verse references in a reading plan to accompany each ornament in order
- Coloring Sheets: 25 Jesse Tree coloring pages that create a complete DIY Jesee Tree book by Christmas
- Guide: A Jesse Tree guide for parents or teachers to help explain the stories behind a Jesee Tree
- The Jesse Tree Story: An easy-to-read summary for young children bringing together stories from creation and the fall of adam to redemption through the birth of Jesus
The printable craft set (on Etsy too) is perfect for families, Sunday school, or homeschool settings. It’s an easy and fun way to bring this meaningful tradition to life.
Download & Print The Jesse Tree Set Immediately
Start a Jesse Tree Tradition This Christmas
Whether you’re using the Jesse Tree at home, in the classroom, or at church, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate the Advent season and teach children the story of Jesus’ family. The Jesse Tree offers a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness and His plan for salvation through His Son. Be sure to check out our printable Jesse Tree craft set, complete with the ornaments of the Jesse tree and coloring pages, to make this tradition even more fun and meaningful for your family.
Tell the Christmas story a new way and get started with Jesus’s family tree, a Jesse Tree!
Advent Resources for Your Jesse Tree Tradition
If you’re looking to expand your family’s Advent traditions beyond the Jesse Tree, there are plenty of creative ways to make the season even more meaningful. Advent calendars are a wonderful way to build excitement and anticipation for Christmas while incorporating fun activities or gifts for your children.
Check out our DIY Advent Calendars for some great ideas on how to craft your own personalized calendar. Whether you’re using envelopes, bags, or small boxes, creating a custom calendar adds a special touch to the holiday season.
And don’t forget to fill those calendars with thoughtful surprises! Our Advent Calendar Fillers post offers a variety of ideas, from scripture cards to small treats, to help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Together, these advent resources will complement your Jesse Tree tradition and help your family engage with the Christmas story in a hands-on and meaningful way throughout December.
More Christian Resources
If you’re looking for additional ways to bring the Christmas story to life for children, be sure to explore our Meaningful Sunday School Christmas Crafts to Share the Christmas Story. These creative crafts are perfect for engaging kids in Sunday school or at home, offering a hands-on way to learn and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. From nativity scenes to interactive activities, these projects help children understand and share the message of Jesus’ birth in a fun and meaningful way.
While these family advent crafts are perfect for the Christmas season, don’t forget to check out our Year-Round List of Sunday School Ideas for creative ways to engage children in Bible stories and lessons all year long. These ideas are designed to keep kids excited about learning God’s Word no matter the season!
We are continuously adding more Sunday School Resources for Kids. Take a look at our List of Christian Activities for Kids. This printable set will come to your inbox. Simply download and save it as a resource when planning your Sunday School curriculum.
Adorable Jesus & Character Friends Clip Art from EduClips Clip Art.
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