What is the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree helps us unite the tradition of decorating Christmas trees with the biblical events that led to Jesus’ birth. The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”
Jesse was the father of King David. We decorate a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that symbolize the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The Jesse tree ornaments tell the story of God in the Old Testament, linking the Advent season with the faithfulness of God through 4000 years of history.
Jesse Tree Origins and Significance
The Jesse tree tradition originated in medieval Europe, inspired by Isaiah 11:1, which prophesies a "shoot" from the "stump of Jesse." This verse was interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, who would come from the lineage of David. Early depictions of the Jesse tree appeared in illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, and other forms of art.
The Jesse tree holds significant meaning for Christians during the Advent season. It serves as a visual reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and his promise of salvation through the lineage of King David. As the tree is gradually decorated, it helps to build anticipation for the celebration of Christmas, marking the arrival of Jesus and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Advent Practice of the Jesse Tree
During Advent, a new ornament is added to the Jesse tree each day, accompanied by a reading related to the corresponding symbol from the Old Testament. This practice helps Christians connect with the history of salvation and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas.
The Jesse tree serves as a visual reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and his promise of salvation through the lineage of King David. As we journey through the Advent season, the Jesse tree invites us to reflect on God's plan of redemption and anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.
Click the image below to view the Jesse Tree Ornaments on Amazon!
Jesse Tree Symbolism and Bible Stories
The Jesse tree includes various symbols representing significant figures and events from the Old Testament. Here's a brief overview:
Bible Story - Bible Verses - Ornament Symbols
- Creation - Genesis 1 - The earth
- Adam & Eve / Garden of Eden - Genesis 2-3 - A fruit tree or an apple
- Noah & the Flood - Genesis 6-9 - A rainbow
- God's promise to Abraham - Genesis 12:1-7 & Gen. 15:1-6 - A tent
- Isaac - Genesis 22:1-18 - A ram
- Jacob's Ladder - Genesis 28:10-19 - A ladder
- Joseph's Coat - Genesis 37 & Gen. 50 - A multicolored coat or robe
- Moses - Exodus 2-4 - A burning bush
- Israelites and the Passover - Exodus 12:1-42 - A lamb
- The 10 Commandments - Exodus 19-20 - Two stone tablets
- Joshua / Fall of Jericho - Joshua 6:1-20 - A ram's horn trumpet or wall
- Ruth - Book of Ruth - A sheaf of corn
- King David - 1 Samuel 16:1-3 - A six-pointed 'Star of David'
- Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6 - The temple
- Elijah and Baal's Priests - 1 Kings 18:16-39 - A bonfire
- Isaiah's 'Jesse' Prophecy - Isaiah 11:1-11 - A tree stump
- Jonah and the Whale - Book of Jonah - A whale
- John the Baptist - Matthew 3:13-17 - A scallop shell
- Mary - Luke 1:26-38 - A white lily
- Elizabeth - Luke 1:39-56 - A mother and child
- Zechariah - Luke 1:57-80 - A pencil and tablet
- Joseph - Matthew 1:19-25 - A carpenter's hammer
- The Shepherds - Luke 2:8-20 - A sheep
- The Wisemen - Matthew 2:1-12 - A gold star, three gifts or crown
- Jesus - Luke 2:1-8 - A baby in a manger
Advent: The Arrival of Jesus
The word Advent means “the coming or arrival.” As Christmas approaches, we look back and remember that starry night in Bethlehem when the entire world was changed in an instant. Glory arrived, wrapped in the form of a baby. His coming ushered in an entirely new reality for all to behold. The darkness of waiting was replaced as the Light of the World came and made His dwelling among men.
As believers, we look back, but we also look forward. Just as our children delight in remembering past Christmas joys, they also look forward to what awaits them under the tree. More is yet to come. As His people, we remember that Christ has come and redeemed the world. We look forward and hope for that day when He will come again, making all things new. More is yet to come.
How do we keep Advent's true meaning alive and flourishing within our homes during a busy season? In the flurry of activities (from baking to shopping to celebrating with friends), how do we savor the Savior, reflect upon His coming, and wait with abiding hopefulness for His return? The Jesse tree is a tradition that our family uses to focus on who Jesus is and what He means to us.
Get your FREE copy of 25 Days of Advent Devotionals and Readings! Print these and share them with family and friends to keep your mind's attention and heart's affection on Jesus this holiday season.
The Meaning of the Jesse Tree at Advent
The original Jesse trees were big carvings, tapestries, or stained glass windows placed in Churches that assisted people unable to read to learn about the Bible from the creation story to Christmas. Jesse Trees are used as a sort of Advent Calendar, counting the days of December to Christmas Day.
The name for the Jesse Tree comes from Jesse, the Father of the great Jewish King David. The Jesse Tree prophecy in the Bible comes from the passage of Isaiah 11:1-4:
1. A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit.
2. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD--
3. and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4. but with righteousness, he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
For our family, each night in December, we pull out ornaments from a special box as we gather around the dinner table. Years ago, a friend of mine organized a Jesse Tree party. The Advent Jesse Tree recounts the story of redemption using twenty-five ornaments as symbols to represent different Bible stories, all pointing to the coming Messiah.
My friend sent out a list of the different Jesse Tree ornaments. Every woman chose one and made twenty-five of the same ornament (it required 25 women, each making one ornament). During the party, each participant placed one of her ornaments in everyone else’s box. We all went home with a complete, homemade Advent Jesse Tree set at the night's end. Each of these ornaments is a special reminder for me - both of the story it represents and the friend who fashioned it for me.
Using a Jesse Tree for Advent
Starting on December 1st, my children excitedly pull out a miniature tree and the box that contains our Jesse Tree ornaments. We use an advent devotional entitled “The Advent Jesse Tree” by Dean Lambert Smith to guide our readings. It provides devotional and Bible passages that correspond with the ornament for the day. A new Jesse Tree devotional option this year is Ann Voskamp’s The Greatest Gift. She also provides printable ornaments on her website for an easy way to bring this tradition home (especially for non-crafty moms like myself!)
After reading the devotion for the day, my children eagerly take turns placing new ornaments on the tree. Day after day, we remember the story of waiting, watching, and hoping for the Messiah to come. As we reflect upon the stories, our family learns the beauty of the Biblical narrative - how, amid many small stories, there is one larger story that all the others point to. By December 25th, the tree that was once barren is bursting with fullness.
We began using the Jesse Tree when our oldest daughter was three. She is now thirteen, her brother is ten, and our youngest is seven. For ten years, we have pondered these stories, enjoyed time together as a family, and been blessed to reflect upon the coming of Jesus. These Advent meditations allow our family to reflect and rejoice, “Christ has come!” They also encourage us to look forward in joyful expectation, “Christ will come again!”
Melissa Kruger serves as Women's Ministry Coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the author of The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World (Christian Focus, 2012). Her husband Mike is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and they have three children. You can follow her on Twitter @MelissaBKruger.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!
What Is Advent: Meaning, History, and Traditions
Advent Prayers for Friends, Family, and More
What Is an Advent Wreath and How to Use One?
The History of Santa Claus: Origin of St. Nicholas
Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
What is Christmas? True Meaning and Holiday History
Christmas Eve History and Traditions
Why Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh?
When Was Jesus Born? Why December 25th
Where Was Jesus Born?