Advent and the Jesse Tree

Advent and the Jesse Tree

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming".

We started a new tradition last year. I have always admired the Jesse Tree my friends put out for Christmas. We couldn't afford a proper Jesse Tree so we made do with a small Christmas tree and printable paper ornaments. It's not about the aesthetics anyways it's about the story, his story and the events leading up to the greatest Christmas story ever told. 

What is a Jesse Tree 

The Jesse Tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus' birth. The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of King David. We adorn a Jesse Tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The ornaments of the Jesse Tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history.

This year we are using Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp for advent. So far I really like it. It has beautiful illustrations.

This is a wonderful book we read for advent last year. The kids will love it! I downloaded it on the iPad, but you can also order it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. I recommend this one over Unwrapping the Greatest Gift because it has a wonderful story line and I think holds little ones attention better.

Jesse Trees come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy a Jesse Tree from a Christian bookstore or online. Many people use small Christmas Tree's or a bundle of limbs. Ornaments can be expensive porcelain, wood, or paper ornaments. This year we are using printable ornaments that you can find here http://lifeyourway.net/free-printables/christmas/jesse-tree-ornaments/ We are coloring them and pasting them on card stock to decorate our small Christmas Tree. I like this hands on approach, especially as part of Arts and Crafts for Homeschooling families.

Examples of Jesse Tree's

Traditions are important. I hope Elijah keeps this tradition when he has a family of his own. I think it's important to put the focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. Much of the time it's chaos, buying and receiving gifts, stressing out about dinners, and the real reason of the season gets lost in the madness. Advent helps bring Jesus back in the spot light. It gives us some time set aside each night to spend closely with him. To dive headfirst into the gospels leading up to his birth. If there is any time to become intimate with your Lord and Savior it is now. This world is not our home and Jesus is coming soon, The King is Coming!