The Jesse Tree is an Advent practice which recounts the history of salvation by tracing the lineage of Christ — the foretold “shoot from the stump of Jesse” who will bring peace and unity to the people of God (Isaiah 11:1).

In a way, creating a Jesse tree is the telling of one big story — the redemption of man — through the telling of many smaller stories — the fall of Adam, God’s promise to Abraham, the wandering of the Israelites, the greatness of David and the humble submission of Mary. A Jesse tree is adorned with symbols of these various people and stories, with the earliest ones hung from the topmost branches, progressing downward.

There are different versions of the Jesse Tree featuring different Old Testament figures and stories, but all begin with Adam and end with the birth of Jesus. It is an easy tradition to practice at home — all you need is a tree, paper, markers, scissors, string and a Bible.

©LPi