Make a Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a wonderful Advent tradition that helps young people learn about Jesus’ ancestors and their role in God’s plan. Each day during Advent, families read a story from the Bible and hang an ornament on the tree. The ornament represents a person or event in salvation history. This activity shows that God’s promise of salvation began long before Jesus was born.
By participating in this activity, children understand how God prepared His people for the coming of Jesus over many generations. They see that God’s love and plan have been present throughout all history. This helps them see how their own lives are part of God’s ongoing plan.
The Jesse Tree also teaches kids to wait with purpose. Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas, not just to celebrate it early. The daily readings and symbols help children focus on the story of salvation, reminding them that this is a special time to grow closer to Jesus.
This activity also encourages meaningful family time. As families gather to read Scripture and hang ornaments, they share faith, stories, and traditions. The Jesse Tree becomes a simple but important way to teach children about God’s love and our response to Him, building a deeper appreciation for Christmas.
Connecting the Jesse Tree to Catholic Faith
The Jesse Tree highlights key themes of the Bible, such as God’s promise, faithfulness, and preparation. Each ornament represents a person or event that points toward Jesus. For example, the story of Abraham shows God’s promise of a great nation. The story of Moses shows God leading His people to freedom. These stories help young people understand the bigger picture of salvation history and how Jesus fulfills God’s promises.
This craft is a good tool for catechesis. It teaches children about the virtues and faith of Old Testament figures like Noah, David, and Isaiah. They learn about the hope for a Savior and how Jesus is the answer to that hope. By hearing these stories and placing symbols on the tree, children understand the unity of the Old and New Testaments. It helps them see Jesus not as a distant figure, but as the center of God’s long-planned work of salvation.
The Jesse Tree is also helpful for youth ministry because it is hands-on and interactive. It allows children to be part of the lesson, making it easier for them to remember. The daily ritual of reading, reflecting, and placing an ornament encourages a deeper connection to the stories of the Bible. It also fosters meaningful discussions, making it a good tool for group settings. The Jesse Tree teaches children that faith is a journey, just as God’s plan unfolded over time.
Jesse Tree Craft Instructions
Equipment / Materials
- Construction paper (variety of colors)
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Hole punch
- Yarn or string
- Bible or children’s Bible
- Small tree branch (or a small artificial tree)
List of Biblical Figures, Symbols, and Readings
- Earth (Creation) – Represents God creating the world; read Genesis 1:1-31.
- Apple with a bite (Adam and Eve) – Symbolizes Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden; read Genesis 3:1-24.
- Rainbow (Noah) – Reminds us of Noah’s faith and God’s covenant during the flood; read Genesis 6:9-22.
- Stars (Abraham) – Shows God’s promise to Abraham of countless descendants; read Genesis 15:1-6.
- Ram (Isaac) – Represents Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac and God’s provision of a ram; read Genesis 22:1-14.
- Ladder (Jacob) – Symbolizes Jacob’s dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth; read Genesis 28:10-17.
- Colorful coat (Joseph) – Reflects Joseph’s special status and God’s plan through his trials; read Genesis 37:1-36.
- Burning bush (Moses) – Represents God speaking to Moses and calling him to lead His people; read Exodus 3:1-12.
- Wheat (Ruth) – Symbolizes Ruth’s faithfulness and God’s provision during the harvest; read Ruth 1:16-2:3.
- Harp (David) – Represents King David’s psalms and love for God; read 1 Samuel 16:14-23.
- Temple (Solomon) – Symbolizes Solomon building the Temple for God; read 1 Kings 6:1-14.
- Chariot (Elijah) – Reminds us of Elijah’s ascension to heaven in a fiery chariot; read 2 Kings 2:1-12.Scroll (Isaiah) – Represents Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah; read Isaiah 9:2-7.
- Whale (Jonah) – Symbolizes Jonah’s time in the belly of the whale and God’s mercy; read Jonah 1:1-17.
- Lily (Mary) – Reflects Mary’s purity and role as the mother of Jesus; read Luke 1:26-38.
- Shell with water (John the Baptist) – Represents John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River; read Matthew 3:1-17
Instructions
Prepare the Ornaments:
- Cut circles from construction paper, about 3–4 inches wide. Or see the printable copy for coloring book style symbols for you to print and cut out.
- Use markers or crayons to draw each symbol from the list above. Write the name of the figure on the back of each circle.
- Use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of each ornament.
- Cut a piece of yarn or string about 6 inches long. Loop it through the hole and tie a knot to make a hanger.
Prepare the Tree:
- Place a small branch in a pot or vase, or use a small artificial tree as your Jesse Tree.
Read the Bible Stories:
- Each day, read a Bible story about the figure from the list.
Hang the Ornament:
- After reading, hang the ornament on the tree.
Additional Notes
- Safety Tip: Supervise children when using scissors and the hole punch.
- Variation: Use felt or foam paper instead of construction paper for a sturdier ornament.
- Group Activity: In a class or youth group, have each child make one ornament to contribute to a group Jesse Tree.
This craft can be adjusted for older children by including additional Bible figures and symbols.
Resources
Set Up an Advent Table
Set up an Advent table at home or in your youth ministry room to help everyone focus on the true meaning of the season. Include items like an Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, Bible, and prayer book. It can also have a charity jar and a box for good deeds. This simple setup helps keep Christ at the center of Advent, even as Christmas gets closer.
Have an Advent Prayer Service
Try a simple Advent prayer service as a family. You can read scripture, share petitions, and say traditional prayers like the Hail Mary. Let this season bring peace and joy as you prepare for Jesus’ arrival!
More Advent Resources
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Jesus. The Jesse Tree is a great activity that helps families understand the people and events that led to Christ’s birth. It also helps us focus on the true meaning of the season. For more Advent resources, including crafts, prayers, and reflections, visit this page. You’ll find ideas to help deepen your faith and share the spirit of Advent with children and youth. Let this season be a time of joyful preparation for the coming of Christ!
More Youth Ministry Activities
This crafts and activities page offers many ideas to help children and teens grow in their faith. You’ll find Bible-based crafts, games, prayers, and group activities that are perfect for youth groups, religious education, or family use. The resources are designed to engage youth and make learning about the Catholic faith fun and meaningful.
Questions and Answers
What is a Jesse Tree?
A Jesse Tree is a special tree used during Advent. Each day, you read a Bible story and hang an ornament with a symbol. The symbols show the people and events that prepared for Jesus’ birth.
What is the purpose of the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree helps children learn about salvation history. It shows how God prepared the world for Jesus, starting with the Old Testament.
How many ornaments do we need?
You need one ornament for each day of Advent. Most Jesse Trees have 16–24 ornaments, depending on when you start.
Can younger children do this activity?
Yes, younger children can draw simple symbols. You may need to help them with cutting or reading the Bible stories.
What if I don’t have a tree?
You can use a small branch in a vase or even hang ornaments on a wall. Any setup that lets you hang the symbols will work.
How long does it take each day?
Reading the Bible story and hanging the ornament takes about 10–15 minutes. It’s meant to be a simple daily activity.
Can we add our own symbols?
Yes, you can add more Bible figures and symbols. This can help older children learn even more about salvation history.
Conclusion
The Jesse Tree is an Advent tradition that helps children learn about Jesus’ ancestors and how they fit into salvation history. It begins on the first day of Advent and continues until Christmas. Each day, families read a Bible story about a person or event that led to Jesus’ birth. After reading, they hang an ornament on the Jesse Tree that represents the person or story.
This activity helps children see how God prepared His people for Jesus over many generations. The symbols on the ornaments represent important people like Noah, Abraham, and David, as well as events like the creation and the Exodus. It teaches children how God’s promises came true in Jesus.
The Jesse Tree is simple to set up. Families can use construction paper, yarn, and markers to make ornaments. The tree can be a small branch in a vase, a wall display, or even a small artificial tree. Each ornament reminds children of God’s faithfulness and the importance of preparing our hearts for Jesus during Advent.
The Jesse Tree is also flexible. It can be done at home, in classrooms, or in youth groups. The activity encourages Bible reading, meaningful discussions, and family prayer. It makes Advent more special by keeping the focus on Jesus.
Your Turn
Try making a Jesse Tree this Advent! It’s a fun and meaningful way to teach children about Jesus and His family history. It’s simple to do, and each day brings a new Bible story to share. We’d love to hear how you set up your Jesse Tree and any creative variations you add. Share your experiences, ideas, and notes in the comments below!
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