Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of the Christ Child
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root.” — Isaias 11:1 (Douay-Rheims)
As the holy season of Advent approaches, we are reminded that Christmas is about much more than decorations, presents, and festivities. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
One beautiful way to make Advent more meaningful, especially for families with young children, is through the tradition of the Jesse Tree.
This simple and prayerful activity helps children discover the wonderful story of salvation and how God prepared the world for the birth of His Son.
What Is a Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree takes its name from Jesse, the father of King David, from whose family line Our Lord Jesus Christ descended.
Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaias foretold that the Messias would come from the root of Jesse.
The Jesse Tree illustrates God's plan of salvation, beginning with Creation and continuing through the patriarchs, prophets, and important events of the Old Testament until we reach the birth of the Christ Child.
Each ornament placed on the tree represents a person, event, or prophecy that points toward Our Savior.
As the days of Advent pass, the tree gradually fills with symbols, reminding us that all of Sacred Scripture leads us to Jesus Christ.
How to Make a Jesse Tree at Home
One of the loveliest things about this tradition is its simplicity. You do not need an elaborate tree or expensive decorations!
You can use:
A small artificial Christmas tree
Bare branches arranged in a vase
A paper tree displayed on the wall
Homemade ornaments colored and decorated by your children
Each day during Advent:
Gather your family around the Jesse Tree.
Read the day's passage from Sacred Scripture.
Explain the story and how it points toward Christ.
Have your children color and hang the corresponding ornament.
End with a short family prayer.
Even five or ten minutes each evening can become a beautiful family tradition that your children will remember for years to come.
The Meaning Behind the Jesse Tree Ornaments
Every ornament tells a part of the story of salvation.
Here are a few examples:
The Apple — Adam and Eve
Reminds us of the Fall of Man and God's promise to send a Redeemer.
The Ark — Noe
Represents God's mercy and His covenant with mankind.
The Stars — Abraham
Reminds us of God's promise that Abraham's descendants would become a great nation and that all nations would be blessed through his offspring.
The Ladder — Jacob
Represents Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching toward Heaven.
The Burning Bush — Moses
Reminds us of God's call to Moses to lead His people out of Egypt.
The Crown — King David
Represents the royal family from which Our Lord would descend.
The Lily — The Blessed Virgin Mary
Symbolizes Our Lady's purity and her humble acceptance of God's will at the Annunciation.
The Star — Bethlehem
Reminds us of the miraculous birth of Our Savior and the star that guided the Wise Men.
Each symbol gives parents an opportunity to teach their children about the Catholic Faith and the beautiful connection between the Old and New Testaments.
Teaching Our Children the Beauty of Waiting
In today's world, Christmas celebrations often begin long before Advent, making it easy to forget the importance of this sacred season.
But Advent is a time of prayer, penance, preparation, and joyful expectation.
For centuries, the Church has encouraged the faithful to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ.
The Jesse Tree helps us slow down and remember that God's greatest gift to mankind was not given in a hurry.
For generations, His people waited for the promised Messias.
And when the fullness of time had come, Our Savior was born in the humble stable of Bethlehem.
By following the Jesse Tree each day, children begin to understand the beauty of waiting patiently for the coming of Jesus.
A Wonderful Opportunity for Family Prayer
The Jesse Tree can become a special part of your family's evening prayer routine.
Consider lighting your Advent wreath, reading the day's Scripture passage, hanging the ornament, and praying together.
You might also encourage your children to offer a small sacrifice or act of kindness each day as a gift to the Infant Jesus.
These simple practices help children understand that the most beautiful gift we can give Our Lord at Christmas is a heart filled with love for Him.
Free Jesse Tree Printables for Your Children!
To help our parish families begin this beautiful tradition, we have prepared a FREE Jesse Tree printable activity packet!
The packet includes:
24 Jesse Tree ornaments for children to color
Symbols representing the story of salvation
Ornaments children can cut out and hang on their tree
Scripture references and instructions for families
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE JESSE TREE PRINTABLES
Simply print the pages, gather some crayons or colored pencils, and let your children enjoy creating their own Jesse Tree ornaments!
You can begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2026, adapting the readings to the days of the season, or use the 24-ornament packet from December 1 through Christmas Eve.
Preparing a Place for the Christ Child
As we decorate our homes and prepare for Christmas, let us remember to prepare a special place for Our Lord in our hearts.
The Jesse Tree reminds us that from the beginning of Creation, God lovingly prepared the world for the coming of His Son.
May this beautiful Advent tradition bring your family closer together, deepen your love for Sacred Scripture, and help your children grow in their love for the Infant Jesus.
A Prayer for Families During Advent
O Divine Infant Jesus, as we prepare to celebrate Thy holy birth, help us to prepare our hearts to receive Thee with love.
Bless our families, strengthen our faith, and teach us to wait patiently and joyfully for Thy coming.
Through the intercession of Thy Most Holy Mother and St. Joseph, may our homes be filled with prayer, peace, and charity.
Come, Lord Jesus, and reign in our hearts forever. Amen.
Our Lady of Advent, pray for us!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
