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 and Symbols

• 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.
• Use markers or crayons to draw each symbol from the list above. Or see the printable symbols below. 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.

For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/98/advent-ideas-make-a-jesse-tree/