A Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent by journeying through the stories on Jesus’s family tree. Each day of Advent, read a Bible story about someone on Jesus’s family tree and hang an ornament symbolizing the story on your Jesse Tree. As you decorate your tree, you’ll see how God prepared for Jesus to be born through many generations. Here’s a list of recommended Jesse Tree symbols and Bible passages.
The Biblical Origins of Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree tradition is rooted in Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." Jesse was the father of David, Israel's greatest king. And Jesus is descended from the line of David. He is the branch God promised would grow from Jesse’s family tree. Each symbol represents a story from within this family tree and a step toward the birth of Jesus.
See a complete list of Jesse Tree symbols and Scripture readings.
Jesse Tree Ornaments
Use our printable set of 29 Jesse Tree ornaments for your Jesse Tree. The ornaments are available to color yourself or pre-colored, and you can choose from two different sizes. Also on this page: ideas for how to make your Jesse Tree.
Personal Devotions
These daily devotions inspired by the Jesse Tree are designed for adults (or teenagers) who want to prepare for the birth of Christ by journeying through the stories in Jesus's family. You can print them out or view them online.
Download the personal devotions.
Family Devotions
Read these (printable) devotions with kids to show them how God prepared for Jesus's birth for many generations. If your family is making a Jesse Tree, the devotions can help you explain the meaning behind the symbols to younger family members.
Download the family devotions.