Christmas traditions are a big part of what makes the holidays so special. In our family, the traditions we love to emphasize most are the ones that point us to Christ.
The Jesse Tree is a tradition derived from Isaiah 11:1, which says, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Jesse, of course, is the father of the great King David. This prophecy is saying that a descendant of Jesse—specifically, a descendant of King David—would rise up, and, in the words of the next verse, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him” (Isaiah 11:2).
This is just one of hundreds of prophecies about the coming of Jesus. But there is much more in the Bible about Jesus than the specific predictions; there are types and shadows, promises that become realities, a literal family tree of David’s descendants along with a spiritual family tree of all those of the household of faith who looked ahead to their coming Savior.
The Jesse Tree is about celebrating the great story of the Bible, the story of the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
How It Works
Each day, from December 1st to the 25th, you read a passage from the Old Testament followed by a New Testament reading. The former provides a “type” or “shadow” that looks forward to Christ, while the latter shows how Jesus actually fulfills that type or shadow.
For each day, you hang an ornament on your Christmas tree that depicts the story. For example, the story of Abraham is illustrated by a starry sky, which highlights the promise of God that his offspring will be as numerous as the stars in the heavens. For Jacob, it is the ladder reaching up into heaven from his vision at Bethel, which Jesus said was a picture of himself (John 1:51).
For our family, for the past 10+ years we have done this each evening in December before bedtime (except for Christmas morning!). We read the passages, talk about what it means, pray and sing a song, and the kids take turns each day selecting where to place the ornament on our tree.
Ornament Sets
Here are some ideas for Jesse Tree ornaments to begin your own Jesse Tree tradition.
Inspired Traditions Wooden Ornaments
This is an updated version of the original set we bought a decade ago. The set features round wood ornaments with colorful stickers. Our set only had the pictures on the front (and a slightly different version of those pictures), but this set appears to have the date and verses on the back.
Our set came with a very basic printed and stapled booklet that included the Scripture readings and a brief statement on the day’s theme. Over time, I developed my own devotional to teach my family the story of Christmas.
Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments & Coloring Book
This is a printable version of the previous set. It includes all the same artwork, but as an instant download. You can print the coloring versions for your children to color, or use the included full-color file to print your own completed copies.
Knit-Style Jesse Tree
Here we have an absolutely adorable Jesse Tree and Ornament Set. If you want something separate from your standard Christmas tree, this is a fun way to go.
Wooden Jesse Tree
This gorgeous wooden Jesse Tree is made by hand in Minnesota and includes a full set of Jesse Tree ornaments.
Hand Painted Jesse Tree Ornaments
This set is more rustic, made from tree rounds and painted by hand. It’s a lovely and one-of-a-kind addition to your Christmas décor!
