Free Jesse Tree Printables
22 Nov 2018
We are at the brink of Advent once again! One of the most popular posts we have had on this blog has been our free Jesse Tree kit! So for this year, we have updated the images just for you! We also changed the passages so it's really different from last time (thanks to WhyChristmas for the reference Scripture).
The season of Advent is one of the most grace-filled and joyous times for us all. We come together with our families and friends and are oftentimes busy with preparations and parties. Our children often think of it as a time for presents and not the "presence" of Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating.
When we want to bring back the true meaning of Christmas, we don't have to think of something complicated. The Jesse Tree is a project we can do with children and doesn't take up much of our time.
WHAT'S A JESSE TREE?
If you've never heard of a Jesse Tree, don't despair! Help is on the way! You've come to the right place!
The Jesse Tree originated in the middle ages as a means of preparing for Christmas. It is essentially Jesus' family tree!
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" from Isaiah 11:1 shows us the prophecy of Jesus' coming. The tree stump represents all that has been left of King David's royal lineage - seemingly lifeless and insignificant. Yet, Jesus comes forth and brings not just life but salvation, not just to Israel, but for the whole of mankind.
The Jesse Tree's 24 ornaments symbolise the different Old and New Testament characters who are related to Jesus. One doesn't put up all the ornaments all at once. Each ornament is placed after reading a bible verse.
*UPDATE: We have added a 25th symbol to commemorate the start of Christmas!
HOW IS IT DONE?
This is a wonderful family tradition to be done at the start of the day.
1. Every day, starting December 1st, start by picking the symbol for the day.
2. Read the bible passage for the day. Each person can read a part of it and pass on to the next person if the passage is a long one.
3. End with an offering prayer for the day, drawing lessons from the Scripture passage. On weekends, each member of the family can mention their intentions so all can pray for these.
MATERIALS:
December 1
Read Genesis 1
The Story of Creation
(Symbol: World)
December 2
Read Genesis 2:4 - 3:24
Read Genesis 2:4 - 3:24
The Story of Adam and Eve
(Symbol: Tree in the Garden)
December 3
Read Genesis 6:9 - 9:17
The Story of Noah and the Flood
(Symbol: Rainbow)
December 4
Read Genesis 12:1-7 and 15:1-6
The Story of God's Promise to Abraham
(Symbol: Tent)
December 5
Read Genesis 22:1-18
The Story of Isaac
(Symbol: Mountain)
December 6
Read Genesis 28:10-19
The Story of Jacob
(Symbol: Ladder)
December 7
Read Genesis 37 and 50
The Story of Joseph's Coat
(Symbol: Colorful Coat)
December 8
Read Exodus 2:1 - 4:20
The Story of the Moses
(Symbol: Burning Bush)
December 9
Read Exodus 12:1-42
The Story of the Israelites
(Symbol: Lamb)
The Story of the Israelites
(Symbol: Lamb)
December 10
Read Exodus 19:1-20 - 20:20
The Story of the 10 Commandments
(Symbol: Stone Tablets)
The Story of the 10 Commandments
(Symbol: Stone Tablets)
December 11
Read Joshua 6:1-20
The Story of Joshua
(Symbol: Ram's Horn)
The Story of Joshua
(Symbol: Ram's Horn)
December 12
Read the book of Ruth
The Story of Ruth
(Symbol: Sheaf of Corn)
The Story of Ruth
(Symbol: Sheaf of Corn)
December 13
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-3
The Story of David
(Symbol: Star of David)
The Story of David
(Symbol: Star of David)
December 18
Read Matthew 3:13-17
Read Matthew 3:13-17
The Story of John the Baptist
(Symbol: Scallop)
December 23
Read Luke 2:8-20
The Story of the Shepherds
(Symbol: Sheep)
December 24
Read Matthew 2:1-12
The Story of the Wise Men
(Symbol: Crown)
December 25
Read Luke 2:1-8
The Story of Jesus
(Symbol: Baby in a Manger)
HOW TO MAKE THE TREE:
Option A: Branches
Pick some fallen branches (don't saw these off from a tree!) and then use a big pot and some rocks or hardened cement to make it stand.
Once you've prepared your tree, print out the ornaments and cut out into circle. Number the ornaments so you know which day of Advent you'll put it up. Punch a hole in each ornament for some thread to hang up the ornament.
Option B: Wall Art
Get a large piece of paper and draw a tree. You can use the tree image we made available as a guide. It doesn't have to be too realistic. The important thing is to put drawings of branches were the ornaments will be pasted on (as if they were hanging).
Here are some samples of both options:
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This one makes use of magnetic surface for the tree and ornaments on magnets.
Let us know if you liked this project and share what you've made with us in the comments section below.
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