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The Jesse Tree
ADVENT_Tab

Advent is the “holiday” season which includes the four Sundays just before Christmas.  The word “Advent” signifies the coming of Christ at the Incarnation, and thus, the time of year when that Coming is celebrated.  In the midst of pagan attitudes and celebrations, observing Advent in some formal way is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and family groups to refocus on the real meaning of Christmas.

Both the Jesse Tree (daily activity) and the Advent Wreath (Sunday activity) are wonderful ways to celebrate the season in your home with family and/or friends.  Here are some suggestions for both, along with many other ideas for celebrating the season.

The Jesse Tree is a way to graphically portray important events from Creation to the Birth of Jesus by hanging symbolic ornaments on a real tree or two-dimensional tree (banner or poster).  An ornament is put on the tree each day, from the first Sunday of Advent (Nov. 27) until Christmas, to remind us of the whole story of God’s work over 4000 years in bringing us salvation.   It is called a “Jesse Tree” because Jesus came from the lineage of Jesse, King David’s father (Isaiah 11:1, 10).

You might use a smaller artificial Christmas tree for your “Jesse Tree,” or perhaps find a small cut tree.  Often a tree is made from felt, poster board, or even cardboard.  You just need something  you can attach the ornaments to in some way.  Each day’s Scripture, along with the theme statement, is listed below.  You will also see the symbol for each day.  You can make or find your own ornaments which portray these symbols, or download the "ornaments" from this page.

You may wish to color or paint them, or have your children do so.  (If you have multiple children, each one could make their own ornament for each of the days.)  Depending on your tree, you may punch a hole for a ribbon hanger, or use tape or some other way to attach the ornament to the tree.

With children, the Jesse Tree works best if it’s made part of the daily routine.  You might make it a regular part of the morning or evening meal, or perhaps the bedtime ritual.  Like the Advent Wreath (see below), you may wish to sing a carol and/or pray, along with reading the verses and discussing their significance.  Then you may appoint someone to hang the ornament(s) for that day on the Jesse Tree.

Advent Calendar 2011

Jesse_Ornaments_Page_1.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_2.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_3.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_4.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_5.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_6.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_7.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_8.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_9.pdf
Jesse_Ornaments_Page_10.pdf         

Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath is a circle of four candles, surrounded by greens or other decorations.  One candle is lighted the first Sunday, two on the second Sunday, three on the third, and four on the fourth.  Sometimes a fifth candle is used in the center to be lighted with the others on Christmas Eve or day.  Occasionally the same scheme is used on a fireplace mantle, with candles in a row.  With each Sunday’s lighting, someone will read Scripture and pray, and perhaps, carols will be sung.  Families or groups will often include other activities as well.  Following is a simple outline of what you might do on each of the Sundays.  Read the verses and sing some of the carols.  You also may pray along the lines suggested.