What is the Jesse Tree, you ask? This is one tradition that is used during Advent by many families. Never heard of this tradition before? I find many people unfamiliar with this way to observe Advent. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, and was a way to trace the lineage of Jesus, in preparation for Christmas, when Christians celebrate His birth.
Where Can I Find Out More?
To help those who wish to know more of what this devotional tradition is, and perhaps add this tradition to their observance, I created a page of ideas and a table of the symbols and scripture for each day.
Go to the Jesse Tree Tradition pageFrom the Wikipedia site:
The Tree of Jesse is a depiction in art of the Ancestors of Christ, shown in a tree which rises from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David; the original use of the family tree as a schematic representation of a genealogy. It originates in a passage in the Biblical Book of Isaiah which describes metaphorically the descent of the Messiah, and is accepted by Christians as referring to Jesus. The subject is often seen in Christian art, particularly in that of the Medieval period. The earliest example dates from the 11th century.
…The Jesse Tree was the only prophecy in the Old Testament to be so literally and frequently illustrated, and so came also to stand for the Prophets, and their foretelling of Christ, in general.
Simple Directions for Starting your Own Jesse Tree
For family Advent celebration, a branch or small tree is fashioned and symbolic ornaments are hung, every day. Each day has an ornament with meaning that takes a story journey through the history of the Old Testament to the birth of Christ.
The next page has a table of the specific symbols and representations for each day of Advent.
What are the Advent Symbols and Scriptures?
For more discovery of what the Jesse tree is and a list of links to each post during the season I used this as my devotional theme, see “More on the Jesse Tree“.
