Counting Down to Christmas with the Jesse Tree

It's that time of year again - the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun! At Shining Light Dolls, we love this special season and all the wonderful traditions that come with it. One of our favorite ways to prepare for the birth of our Savior is by setting up a Jesse Tree.

The Jesse Tree is a beautiful Advent tradition that helps us journey through salvation history, leading up to the birth of Jesus. Each day, a new ornament is added to the tree, representing a different person, event, or symbol from the Old Testament that points to Christ. It's a wonderful way to engage the whole family in the rich tapestry of God's plan for our redemption.

The Origins of the Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree gets its name from the prophecy found in Isaiah 11:1, which states: "A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots." Jesse was the father of King David, and this verse foretells the coming of the Messiah, who would be a descendant of David.

The tradition of the Jesse Tree dates back to the 12th century, when it was depicted in stained glass windows and other works of art in European cathedrals. These visual representations were meant to teach the stories of the Bible to the faithful, many of whom were illiterate at the time.

Over the centuries, the Jesse Tree has evolved, with different cultures and traditions incorporating their own unique symbols and ornaments. But the core purpose remains the same - to help us prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ by reflecting on the promises of God throughout salvation history.

Creating Your Own Jesse Tree

Setting up a Jesse Tree is a simple and meaningful way to countdown the days to Christmas. Here's how you can create your own:

The Tree

The "tree" itself can be just about anything - a small evergreen tree, a branch, a wooden or metal frame, or even a garland. The important thing is that it provides a place to hang the ornaments.

The Ornaments

The ornaments represent the different people, events, and symbols from the Old Testament that point to Christ. Some common ornaments include:

• Adam and Eve
• Noah's Ark
• Abraham and Sarah
• Moses and the Ten Commandments
• David and Goliath
• Isaiah's prophecy
• The Annunciation
• The Nativity

You can purchase pre-made Jesse Tree ornaments- we have a magnetic Jesse Tree in the shop-, or get creative and make your own! Craft stores often have a variety of supplies that can be used to create beautiful, personalized ornaments. We also offer a free Jesse Tree printable that's great for crafting!

The Readings

Each day, read the corresponding Scripture passage and reflect on how it connects to the coming of the Messiah. There are many Jesse Tree devotionals available that provide the daily readings and reflections. We have a lovely lift-the-flap Jesse Tree book in the shop!

The Tradition

The Jesse Tree is traditionally set up and decorated during the first few days of Advent, with a new ornament added each day leading up to Christmas. It's a wonderful way to slow down, focus on the true meaning of the season, and prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ child.

Bringing the Jesse Tree to Life

At Shining Light Dolls, we love seeing families come together to create their own Jesse Trees. It's a tradition that has been passed down for generations, and one that continues to inspire and deepen our faith.

One of our favorite things about the Jesse Tree is how it engages children in the story of salvation. By hanging the ornaments and learning about the biblical figures and events they represent, kids can better understand the rich history that led to the birth of Jesus.

We've seen families get really creative with their Jesse Trees, using everything from handmade ornaments to found objects from nature. Some even incorporate the Jesse Tree into their Christmas decor, making it a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece.

No matter how you choose to create your Jesse Tree, the most important thing is that it becomes a cherished part of your family's Advent tradition. As you countdown the days to Christmas, may this special tree help you and your loved ones draw closer to the true reason for the season - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your family, grab some craft supplies, and get ready to embark on a journey through salvation history with your very own Jesse Tree!