The Jesse Tree | An Advent Journey

The Jesse Tree represents the family tree of Jesus and based on Isaiah 11:1 “A shoot shall spring from the root of Jesse.” Jesse was the father of David from who’s family Jesus was born. During advent (which means “It’s coming!”) we will remember stories and family members of Jesus by adorning the dry branches of our “Jesse Tree” with symbols each day.

Day by day, during advent, we will be reminded of members of Jesus’ family and the prophesy of his coming birth which spans 4000 years. By the time we reach Christmas, the Jesse tree will be filled with symbols of this advent adventure.

To interact with the advent calendar, move your mouse over the day (or hover) to flip the picture, revealing the related theme, symbol and reading. Click on the reading, which will take you to the passage on the Bible Gateway website.
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Click on ‘Video’ to watch and listen to the beautiful narrative created for that day.
Be sure to check back every Sunday during Advent to continue our journey of The Jesse Tree.

Day 1

Theme: Jesse Tree  
Symbol: Stump with shoot
Reading: Isaiah 11 :1-2

“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him.  The spirit of wisdom and understanding The spirit of counsel and might The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11 :1-2) Jesse was the father of King David.  God’s savior, Jesus, would come from a king.  The Bible tells us that God’s savior would be like a branch.  A branch from the shoot of the stump of Jesse.  That is just another way of telling us that God’s savior would come out of Jesse’s family.  Jesus is the branch that came from the family tree.  

Lord, please help us to be patient while we wait for Christmas Day.  Amen

Day 2

Theme: Creation
Symbol: Earth
Reading: Genesis 1: 26-31

This is the story of everything that happened from the beginning of time until Jesus was born in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. A long, long time ago, God created the world from nothing. On the first day, God separated the light from the darkness, this is when time began. It was the first day. On the 2nd day, God separated the sea from the sky.  This made the space that God would fill with wonderful creatures. On the 3rd day, God made beautiful land covered with trees, flowers and grass. On the 4th day, God created the sun, moon and stars to keep track of time. On the 5th day, God created all kinds of fish to fill the sea and birds to fill the sky. On the 6th day, God created all the animals, large and small, to fill the land. Then God created the most special thing of all.  God created man in his image and likeness. On the 7th day, God rested.  He was very happy with everything he made. God loved everything he made so much that one day, many years later, he sent His only son, Jesus, to the world on Christmas Day. 

Thank you, Lord, for making our wonderful Earth.  Amen

Day 3

Theme: Adam and Eve
Symbol: Apple with snake
Reading: Genesis 3: 6-15

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were not alone.  They were tempted by Satan who was in the form of a serpent. The serpent spoke to Eve saying things that caused her to doubt God’s goodness. Eve ate the fruit from the tree and so did Adam.  Eating the fruit was a sin, and they were ashamed. Because they disobeyed God, they had to leave the garden.  There is always a consequence for sin, and even the serpent was punished.  God is holy and cannot ignore sin, but he is also loving, and provides a way out from sin.  He gave Adam and Eve a promise that he would make a way to cover the people’s sin.  God’s promise was for a savior, one who would bring sinful people back to him, and defeat Satan.

Dear Lord, please help us to do the right thing.  Amen

Day 4

Theme: Seth
Symbol: Mirror
Reading: Genesis 5: 3-8

When Adam and Eve began their life outside the Garden of Eden, they were sad to be away from God and all beautiful things. They remembered that God wanted them to start a family.  Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve who lived to be 912. The Bible tells us that Seth was made in the image and likeness of Adam, just like Adam was made in the image and likeness of God. Adam and Eve were the first parents of all the people in the world. One of the things that makes people different from all other creatures on earth is that people are made in the image and likeness of God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, all the people of the world were separated from Him. God promised to send His son Jesus, so we could all be his children.

Thank you God, for promising to send your Son, Jesus, so we can all be your children.  Amen

Day 5

Theme: Noah
Symbol: Rainbow
Reading: Genesis 7:17-8:3, 9:8-13

Noah is very important because God made his 2nd covenant with him. After Adam and Eve, the world was filled with people, but the people forgot about God’s law and did many bad things. God told Noah to build an Ark.  While he was building the ark, Noah told the people to turn away from evil and follow God. None of them listened.  Instead, they just laughed.  When the ark was finished, Noah brought his family and two of every animal onto the ark. God sent rain for 40 days and 40 nights.  Finally, the ark came to rest on top of a mountain.  Noah and his family were safe. When they came out of the ark, God made a covenant with Noah. God promised that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood. Noah and his family promised to obey God’s laws. There was a beautiful rainbow in the sky as a sign of God’s covenant with Noah.

Thank you, God, for keeping all your promises to us.  Amen

Day 6

Theme: Shem
Symbol: Wine Grapes
Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Shem was one of Noah’s sons.  Many believe that Shem is also the great king Melchizedek. Melchizedek was a priest and king in the Old Testament. Most priests in the Old Testament would offer God sacrifices of animals. Instead, King Melchizedek offered God a sacrifice of bread and wine. When Jesus came, people said that He was a priest like Melchizedek. At the last supper, Jesus gave his body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine.

Thank you, God, for sacrificing your Son, to save us.  Amen

Day 7

Theme: Abraham
Symbol: Stars
Reading: Genesis 15:1-6

God brought Abraham outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them, so shall your descendants be.” God promised to bless Abraham’s family.  God blessed Abraham and Sarah with a son, Isaac. Isaac was Abraham and Sarah’s only son, just like Jesus was God’s only son. When God made a covenant with Adam and Noah, all the people on earth were included.  This time, God made a covenant with just Abraham’s family. Years before Jesus would be born, God was planning and preparing his people for his coming. Jesus would come from Abraham’s family.

Help us to obey You, even when we can’t see Your great plan.  Amen

Day 8

Theme: Isaac
Symbol: Bundle of Sticks
Reading: Genesis 22:1-14

God promised Abraham a family – a family that would be great.  God started this great family by giving him a son named Isaac. God tested Abraham by asking him to build an altar and sacrifice his son.  Isaac carried the wood for the altar he was to die on. Abraham obeyed and trusted that God had a plan. Abraham was about to kill his son, when God stopped him. God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. God always has a plan for the salvation of his people.  Many years later, Jesus would carry the wood of his cross and he would be the sacrifice made for our sin. 

We praise you, dear God, for looking out for us every day, in every situation.  Amen

Day 9

Theme: Jacob
Symbol: Ladder
Reading: Genesis 28: 10-17  

Abraham’s son Isaac grew into a man, and had a son named Jacob.  One night, God spoke to Jacob in a dream, and showed him a vision- a symbol about God’s promise. He showed Jacob a ladder, or stairway, that led into heaven.   There were angels going up and down it. In the dream, God told Jacob about the promise that had been made to Abraham and Isaac.  He told him how all the earth would be blessed, through their family. Jesus coming through the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is truly a blessing for all people of the earth. Jesus would make a way for people to enter heaven. 

Remind us each day, God, that you are with us, even when we feel alone.  Amen

Day 10

Theme: Joseph
Symbol: Coat of Many Colors
Reading: Genesis 37:1-36

Jacob was blessed with many sons.  One of his sons was named Joseph, and Jacob loved him more than any of his other sons.  To show his love to Joseph, Jacob gave him a colorful coat. Joseph’s brothers were jealous and sold him.  He became a slave in Egypt, but God had a plan to protect Joseph.  What others meant for harm; God meant for good.  God allowed Joseph to have a powerful position in Egypt.  Because of his position, he was able to help save his family- God’s people. Joseph’s brother, Judah, is a part of the family Jesus came from.  Once again, God was protecting his plan to bring us a savior, by protecting Joseph, and his family.

Dear Lord, please help us to be kind and forgive generously.  Amen

Day 11

Theme: Moses
Symbol: Tablets
Reading: Exodus 20:1-17  

Many years after Joseph, God’s people were still living in Egypt, but they were living as slaves. God wanted to rescue his people from slavery and bring them to a land of their own. God did this by using a man named Moses. When God’s people were finally freed from Egypt, he gave Moses some instructions to share with the people. God’s instructions were called the law.  The law of God points to our need for a Savior. It shows us just how imperfect we are, and how much we need Jesus.

Righteous God, thank you for giving us rules to guide us and keep us safe.  Amen

Day 12

Theme: Joshua
Symbol: Ram Horn
Reading: Joshua 6:1-20

After Moses died, God chose Joshua to be their leader, and take them into the promised land.  They encountered many challenges and battles in their new land.  One battle took place in a city named Jericho. Jericho was surrounded by a gigantic wall.  God told Joshua he would give them the city, but they would defeat the city in a strange way.  The walls would fall with the blowing of trumpets, made from ram horns. God’s plan and promise may have seemed strange, but he was at work, and Joshua trusted him.  The trumpet reminds us to trust God and his power, to keep his promises. 

God help us to hear Your voice when You call us.  Amen

Day 13

Theme: Samson
Symbol: Scissors
Reading:Judges 16

Samson was stronger than any man.  He helped the Israelites when they were attacked by the Philistines. He also did whatever he thought was right, which means, he did a lot of things for himself, and not for God. Samson promised God that he would never cut his hair.  This was the secret to his incredible strength. One day the Philistines tricked Samson into telling his secret.  His hair was cut and he lost his strength. Then the Philistines captured him. After Samson’s hair grew back, he prayed to God for the return of his mightiness. God gave him his strength back. The Bible says “The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon Samson.” Samson died, doing the mission God had set him apart to do: Defeating the Philistines, by crashing down a building, using the strength God gave him, to save the Israelites.

Thank you, God, for giving us strength when we need it.  Amen

Thank you, God, for giving us strenThank you, God, for giving us strength when we need it.  Amength when we need it.  Amen

Day 14

Theme: Ruth
Symbol: Shaft of Wheat
Reading: Ruth 1:15-2:13

Many years after the time of Joshua, when God’s people were living in their land, there was a woman named Ruth.  She was from a different land but married one of God’s people. When her husband died, she chose to live with her mother-in-law.  They moved to Bethlehem where God used a man named Boaz to help provide for them.   Boaz provided food by making sure there was plenty of wheat for Ruth to gather in his fields. Boaz eventually married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed.  Obed, would be the father to Jesse, whose family would continue to be a part of God’s plan, to send a Savior.

Dear God, thank you for taking care of us.  Please provide for our family in the months and years to come.  Amen

Day 15

Theme: David
Symbol: Sheep
Reading: II Samuel 5:1-5

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was a shepherd that God chose to be king. When David became King, he was a great leader for God’s people.  David also loved God and wrote many of the Psalms. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want“. The psalms are songs of worship to God.  David loved worshipping God with songs and played the harp. The psalms remind us of God’s greatness, his power over all, his love, and his goodness.  They remind us he is faithful and has an unfailing love. We remember God’s faithfulness and love at Christmas, when we remember that Jesus came, just as God promised. 

All knowing God, open our eyes to the special plans you have for us.  Amen

Day 16

Theme: Solomon
Symbol: Crown
Reading: 1 Kings 3:3-12

David had a son, who would also become king.  His name was Solomon.  Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule his kingdom, and God gave it to him. He was also the king who built the temple where God’s glory dwelt on earth.  Once God’s Savior came, God would have a new dwelling place.  God’s dwelling place would be in his people. God’s Savior, Jesus, is a king who rules, with wisdom and love.  God’s people are those who follow Jesus as king.  When we follow Him, we become like a temple, and God lives in our hearts.  

All knowing God, open our eyes to the special place and plans you have for us.  Amen

Day 17

Theme: Elijah
Symbol: Fire
Reading: 1 Kings 18: 17-39  

God’s people continued to forget about their covenant with him.  God sent another prophet, Elijah, who performed many miracles for the people. Elijah also reminded the people to turn away from sin and follow God. Elijah cried out to God on behalf of the people of Israel, and God rained down fire from heaven. This brought the people to their knees and a revival broke out in the land, bringing a new season of fruitfulness to a dead land.  

We praise you, powerful God, for all You have done for us.  Amen

Day 18

Theme: Jeroboam & Rehoboam    
Symbol: Broken Crown 
Reading: I Kings 12:1-33 

The Israelites all lived in one kingdom with Solomon as their king.  After Solomon disobeyed God, the kingdom split into two kingdoms. Jeroboam was king of the northern kingdom.  The people of Jeroboam’s kingdom married people who did not worship God.   Later, they became part of the Gentiles. The Gentiles were not the people of God, because God had not made a covenant with them yet. Rehoboam was the king of the southern kingdom.   All the people in Rehoboam’s kingdom became known as the Jews, because they were from the tribe of Judah. This is important because Jesus was Jewish, meaning that He was from the southern kingdom, and the tribe of Judah. When Jesus came, he preached to the Jews and the Gentiles. Jesus brought both of the kingdoms back together.

We praise you, dear God, for looking out for us every day, in every situation.  Amen

Day 19

Theme: Jonah
Symbol: Whale
Reading: Jonah 1

Many years after David and Solomon, there was a prophet named Jonah.  God had a message for Jonah to deliver, but Jonah didn’t want to obey. Jonah tried to run away from God on a ship.  When Jonah was thrown overboard, God provided a big fish to swallow Jonah.   For three days, Jonah survived in the belly of that fish.  After three days, he was spit out of the fish, and went to do his work. When Jesus was on earth, we can compare his time in the tomb to Jonah’s time in the fish. After Jesus died on the Cross, he was in the tomb 3 days before he rose from the dead.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the chance to go out into the world to do your work.  Amen

Day 20

Theme: Daniel
Symbol: Lion
Reading: Daniel 6: 16-28

Daniel was brave.  The reason he was brave was because he trusted God.  Daniel knew that God was powerful and would take care of him. Daniel wasn’t afraid to pray to God, even when the king made a rule that people could only pray to the king.  Daniel wasn’t afraid to go to the lion’s den, even though the lions were hungry and ready to eat him.  Daniel knew that God would take care of him and God did.  He sent an angel to shut the lion’s mouths, so they could not hurt Daniel. When God sends an angel, it’s as though he is sending himself. Angels represent God.  The angel in the lion’s den was like God being in the den with Daniel. Daniel was delivered from all harm, and shown to be a vehicle for God’s glory.

Savior God, it is not always easy to love You more than anything else.  Help us to trust and honor You each day.  Amen

Day 21

Theme: Isaiah
Symbol: Torah Scroll 
Reading: Isaiah 9:2 

Isaiah was a prophet when the kingdom was divided.  He told the people if they did not start listening to God, they would go into exile. Exile meant they would be sent away from the Promised Land. Sadly, the people did not listen to Isaiah and had to leave the Promised Land. Even though God’s people continued to disobey, God still loved them. Isaiah told the people that one day a child would be born who is the Prince of Peace.  He was talking about Jesus. Isaiah also told them about the New Covenant.  The New Covenant is when Jesus came into the world and became our light.  As we read in Isaiah “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your truth and those who have been entrusted with it.  Thank You for Your prophets.  Amen

Day 22

Theme: John the Baptist
Symbol: Dove
Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

John was called John the Baptist because he would baptize people in the river when they were sorry for their sins. John the Baptist had a special job.  His job was to tell the world that Jesus was coming. He started while he was still in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she visited Elizabeth.  John the Baptist, who was in Elizabeth’s womb, leapt for joy when Mary and Jesus arrived. One day when John was baptizing people in the river, Jesus came to be baptized. When Jesus was baptized, God sent down a dove and said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God was telling the world that his son, Jesus, had arrived. 

 Holy God, forgive us when we do things that displease You.  Make our hearts ready for Jesus.  Amen

Day 23

Theme: Messenger Angel
Symbol: Angel
Reading: Luke 1:26-38

There were many silent years after the last prophet brought messages to God’s people, but God was still working on his plan. God had chosen a young girl named Mary, to play a very important role in his plan.  God sent an angel to deliver a message to her.  The angel told Mary that she would give birth to a son. But he would not be an ordinary son, she was to name her son Jesus, and he would be great.  She would become pregnant by the power of God’s spirit and the baby would be the Son of God. God’s promised plan was beginning to be revealed on the earth. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending your angel to Mary with the wonderful news.  Amen

Day 24

Theme: Mary
Symbol: White Rose
Reading: Luke 1:46-55 (Magnificat)

Mary rejoiced to be a part of God’s great plan to save the world from sin. She was happy that God had chosen to bless her with this very special son. Mary was so full of praise for God, that she glorified God with a song of his greatness and goodness to her.  Mary was humble and saw God’s choosing her to carry the Savior as a very special honor. At Christmas we sing songs, and reflect on God’s goodness, and faithfulness, and his plan, just like Mary did. 

 Thank you, Lord, that nothing is impossible with Your help.  Amen

Day 25

Theme: Joseph
Symbol: Wood Saw
Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Mary was going to be married to a man named Joseph.  Joseph was part of the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as Jesse, David and Solomon. He was part of the family that God had promised to send his Savior through. An angel also spoke to Joseph.  The angel explained that Mary was going to be giving birth to a son, given to her by the Spirit of God.   The angel told Joseph that he was to name the baby, Jesus. The name Jesus means “the Lord saves”. Joseph obeyed God and was a wonderful earthly father and carpenter.  He taught Jesus many things. 

God, help us to hear Your voice when you call us.  Amen

Day 26

Theme: The Journey
Symbol: Sandals
Reading: Luke 2: 1-7

Bethlehem was known as the City of David.  It was the hometown for the family of David, and Joseph was a part of that family.  People were supposed to travel to the town of their family to be counted for the government.  This was no easy 90-mile trip for Joseph and Mary.   But Mary and Joseph were familiar with hardship and as difficult and grueling as it was, it would not intimidate the Holy Family.  In Mary’s pregnant state, it probably took them about 10 days to reach Bethlehem (which means house of bread).  When they arrived, there were so many people, the only place to stay was a stable used by animals. The promised Savior is about to be born; in a town whose name means “house of bread “, and will then become our “Bread of Life”. 

Guide our journeys, wherever they take us, Holy God.  Amen

Day 27

Theme: Jesus
Symbol: Manger
Reading: Luke 2:6-21

Happy Birthday Jesus! Even though Jesus is the King of heaven and earth, He came into the world as a poor little boy in a stable. Angels came from heaven to announce Jesus’ birth.  They sang glorious songs to shepherds who came to worship Jesus. God kept his promises with Adam and Eve that he would send His Son Jesus. A new branch is finally sprouting from the stump of Jesse. And now God has chosen us to spread the Good News.

Heavenly Father, help us become part of the sprouting branch and spread the Good News! Amen

Day 28

Theme: Star
Symbol: Star
Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12

Some time after Jesus was born, there were others who came to worship Him.  They had seen and followed a star that God had placed in the sky.  The heavens were declaring the glory of God. They followed the star (the Magi were known to study the stars) until it stopped where Jesus was.  They rejoiced when they found Him.  They presented Him with treasures and gifts.   You see, Jesus is the real “star” of Bethlehem.  He is the star attraction.  He is center stage.  He was the motivation for the Magi’s journey and the reason for their rejoicing.  He is the reason for our celebration of Christmas today.  The babe in the manger, is the centerpiece of every nativity scene.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  The purpose of the star is to point us to Christ. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the most wonderful gift of Your son, Jesus.  Amen