What Is a Jesse Tree?
A Jesse Tree is an Advent devotional tradition that tells the story of salvation through 25 daily readings—from Creation to Christ. Each day, families read a passage, discuss its meaning, and hang a symbolic ornament on a special tree or branch. By Christmas, you've traced God's entire redemption story.
The name comes from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." Jesse was the father of King David, and Jesus—the "Branch"—came from their family line. The Jesse Tree shows children that Christmas wasn't a random event; it was the climax of God's plan that began in Genesis.
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."
— Isaiah 11:1 (NIV)
💡Why Do a Jesse Tree?
- •Puts Christ at the center of Advent anticipation
- •Teaches the Bible's storyline from start to finish
- •Creates daily family time during the busy season
- •Builds anticipation for Christmas Day
- •Creates lasting memories and traditions
- •Shows children that Jesus fulfills all of Scripture
Getting Started
What You'll Need
- •A small tree, branch in a vase, or felt tree to hang ornaments on
- •25 ornaments (homemade, printed, or purchased)
- •A Bible or children's Bible
- •This devotional guide or a Jesse Tree book
- •Optional: a special candle to light during reading time
Setting Up Your Tree
You don't need a fancy tree. Options include:
- •A small tabletop artificial tree
- •A branch from your yard in a large vase (beautiful and free!)
- •A felt tree mounted on a wall
- •Ornaments hung on ribbon on a door or window
- •A dedicated section of your main Christmas tree
Making Ornaments
Ornaments can be as simple or elaborate as you want:
- •Print symbols on cardstock and cut out
- •Let kids draw each day's symbol on wooden circles
- •Purchase a Jesse Tree ornament set (many available online)
- •Use simple craft supplies: felt, foam, pipe cleaners
- •Make salt dough ornaments together as a project
Start Where You Are
25-Day Jesse Tree Devotional
Each day includes: the day number, symbol/ornament, Bible reference, a brief explanation, and a simple discussion question. Adapt for your children's ages.
Day 1: Creation
Symbol: Earth or Globe
Read: Genesis 1:1-31 (or verses 1, 27, 31 for younger children)
In the beginning, God created everything—and it was good. But sin would soon enter, and the world would need a Savior. The whole Bible is the story of how God would fix what went wrong.
Discuss: What's your favorite thing God created?
Day 2: The Fall
Symbol: Apple or Tree
Read: Genesis 3:1-15
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and sin entered the world. But right here, in Genesis 3:15, God promises that one day, someone from Eve's family will crush the serpent. That's the first hint of Jesus!
Discuss: Why do we need a Savior?
Day 3: Noah
Symbol: Ark or Rainbow
Read: Genesis 6:13-22, 8:15-19, 9:12-16
God judged sin with a flood but saved righteous Noah and his family. The rainbow is God's promise to never flood the earth again. God judges sin, but He also saves those who trust Him.
Discuss: How is Jesus like a "rescue" for us?
Day 4: Abraham
Symbol: Stars
Read: Genesis 12:1-7, 15:5-6
God called Abraham and promised that through his family, ALL nations would be blessed. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Jesus would come from Abraham's family!
Discuss: What does it mean to believe God's promises?
Day 5: Isaac
Symbol: Ram
Read: Genesis 22:1-14
God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, but then provided a ram instead. This points to Jesus—the Lamb God would provide to take away our sins.
Discuss: How is Jesus like the ram God provided?
Day 6: Jacob
Symbol: Ladder
Read: Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching heaven with angels going up and down. Jesus would later say He is the way to heaven—the true ladder connecting earth and heaven (John 1:51).
Discuss: How does Jesus connect us to God?
Day 7: Joseph
Symbol: Colorful Coat
Read: Genesis 37:3-4, 28; 50:20
Joseph was rejected by his brothers but ended up saving them from famine. His story points to Jesus, who was rejected but saves those who rejected Him.
Discuss: How did God use something bad for good in Joseph's life?
Day 8: Moses
Symbol: Burning Bush or Tablets
Read: Exodus 3:1-10
God called Moses from a burning bush to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt. Moses points to Jesus, who rescues us from slavery to sin.
Discuss: What has Jesus rescued us from?
Day 9: Passover
Symbol: Lamb or Door with Blood
Read: Exodus 12:1-13
The blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel from death. Jesus is our Passover Lamb—His blood protects us from eternal death.
Discuss: Why is Jesus called the "Lamb of God"?
Day 10: The Law
Symbol: Stone Tablets
Read: Exodus 20:1-17
God gave the Ten Commandments to show how to live rightly. But no one could keep them perfectly—except Jesus. He fulfilled the law for us.
Discuss: Why couldn't people keep God's law perfectly?
Day 11: Joshua
Symbol: Trumpets or Walls
Read: Joshua 1:1-9
Joshua led God's people into the Promised Land. His name in Hebrew is "Yeshua"—the same as Jesus! Jesus leads us into eternal life with God.
Discuss: What "promised land" is Jesus leading us to?
Day 12: Ruth
Symbol: Wheat or Bundle of Grain
Read: Ruth 1:16-17, 4:13-17
Ruth, a foreigner, became part of God's family through faith. She was the great-grandmother of King David—and in Jesus' family line! God welcomes everyone who comes to Him.
Discuss: How does Jesus welcome people from everywhere?
Day 13: Samuel
Symbol: Ear or Lamp
Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Young Samuel heard God calling him and answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Samuel would anoint the first kings of Israel. God still speaks to us today through His Word.
Discuss: How can we listen to God today?
Day 14: David
Symbol: Crown or Harp
Read: 1 Samuel 16:1, 10-13
God chose David, the youngest shepherd boy, to be king. God looks at the heart, not outward appearance. Jesus would be called "Son of David" because He came from David's family.
Discuss: Why does God care more about our hearts than how we look?
Day 15: Solomon
Symbol: Temple
Read: 1 Kings 6:11-14, 8:27-30
Solomon built a beautiful temple where God's presence dwelt. But Jesus would be an even greater temple—God Himself living among us!
Discuss: Where does God "dwell" today?
Day 16: Elijah
Symbol: Fire
Read: 1 Kings 18:36-39
Elijah called Israel back to the true God and showed His power with fire from heaven. Prophets like Elijah prepared the way for Jesus.
Discuss: How do we know the Lord is the one true God?
Day 17: Isaiah
Symbol: Scroll
Read: Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7
Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would have a son called Immanuel—"God with us." He also described the coming king who would bring everlasting peace. That's Jesus!
Discuss: What names for Jesus do you hear in Isaiah 9:6?
Day 18: Jeremiah
Symbol: Heart
Read: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jeremiah promised a "new covenant" when God would write His law on people's hearts—not stone tablets. Jesus brings this new covenant through His sacrifice.
Discuss: What does it mean to have God's law on your heart?
Day 19: Daniel
Symbol: Lion
Read: Daniel 6:16-23
Daniel was thrown to lions but God rescued him. Daniel also saw visions of the future king who would rule forever—Jesus, the Lion of Judah!
Discuss: How does Jesus protect and rescue His people?
Day 20: Jonah
Symbol: Fish or Whale
Read: Jonah 1:17, 2:10
Jonah was three days in the fish, then came out alive. Jesus said this pointed to Him—three days in the tomb, then risen!
Discuss: How is Jesus' resurrection like Jonah's story?
Day 21: Micah
Symbol: Bethlehem (town or star)
Read: Micah 5:2
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Micah said the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem—a tiny town. And He did!
Discuss: Why do you think God chose a small town for Jesus' birth?
Day 22: Zechariah (the prophet)
Symbol: Donkey
Read: Zechariah 9:9
Zechariah said the coming king would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey—humble, not like a warrior. Jesus fulfilled this on Palm Sunday!
Discuss: What kind of king is Jesus?
Day 23: John the Baptist
Symbol: Shell (for baptism) or Desert
Read: Luke 1:13-17, 76-79
John was the last prophet before Jesus, preparing the way and telling everyone: "The Savior is coming!" He baptized Jesus and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"
Discuss: How did John prepare people for Jesus?
Day 24: Mary
Symbol: Lily or Heart
Read: Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel told young Mary she would have a special baby—God's Son! Mary said yes to God's plan: "I am the Lord's servant."
Discuss: How can we say "yes" to God's plans for us?
Day 25: Jesus!
Symbol: Manger, Baby Jesus, or Cross
Read: Luke 2:1-20
He's here! The one the whole Bible has been pointing to! Born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, announced to shepherds—the Savior of the world has come!
Discuss: Why did Jesus come to earth?
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
— Luke 2:11 (ESV)
Tips for Success
For Very Young Children
The Big Picture
💡A Christmas Eve Prayer
Lord, thank You for this journey through Your Word. Thank You that from the very beginning, You had a plan to save us. Thank You for every person in the story who pointed to Jesus. And thank You most of all for Jesus—Immanuel, God with us. As we celebrate His birth, fill our hearts with wonder and gratitude. Help us live as people who know the Savior has come. In Jesus' name, Amen.