The origin of the Jesse Tree is a passage from the book of Isaiah:
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hip. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.
(Isaiah, 1:1-6.)
During Advent, biblical persons representing the ancestors of Jesus, either in faith or bloodline, are gradually added onto a tree or branch, named after the father of David,. The symbols such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jesse, David, Solomon, Joseph and Mary. The ornaments can be drawn or hand made or even purchased. Below you will find a list of some of the ornaments that can be made. In some cases, some schools or churches will hang pictures of class mates or families of the parish. Because the days between the first day of Advent and Christmas change every year, you may have between 23 and 29 ornaments.
The Jesse Tree ceremony can be combined with the Advent wreath ceremony . Light the Advent candle(s) and say an appropriate prayer. Then place the day's symbol for the Jesse Tree. Go to the link below to see a list of daily prayers.
Most people prefer to use simple homemade ornamnets. They can be made from paper, cardboard, ribbon and scraps of wrapping paper. Of course more permanent ornaments could be made or purchased. On Christmas Day a string of white lights can be added.
Because of its simple nature the, Jesse Tree can be as big or as small as you like. It could even be something kept outside of your home as true symbol of what is to come.
A Jesse Tree prayer you can pray each night:
Lord, we pray that we may be part of your family. Help us to be more loving, caring members of our own family here at home. Grant that we may not only be aware of people who are hurting in our communities of family, neighborhood, school, job, and town but help us to find ways to help them. Grant that we may truly prepare for your coming at Christmas during this Advent season. Grant us the power and wisdom to transform whatever is sinful in our natures into good. Amen.
A list of some of the symbols you may use are:
Adam and Eve -- The Apple
Abraham -- Scroll, Image of the Covenant
Noah -- The Arc
Moses -- The Commandments
Isaac -- The Lamb
Jacob -- Stone
Judah -- Crown
Boaz -- Wedding Ring
Ruth -- Grains of Wheat or Sheaves of Wheat
Obed -- Root of Jesse
Jesse -- Shepherd's Crook
David -- Harp
Solomon -- Gold Pieces
Rehoboam -- Tablet Inscribed: "O Lord, I Am Not Worthy."
Jehoshaphat -- Tablet of Laws
Jehoram (Joram) -- Oil Lamp
Uzziah -- Tower
Jotham -- Gate
Hezekiah -- Candle
Manasseh -- Incense Urn
Amon -- Black sheep
Josiah -- Second Covenant, Scroll
Day 3. Matthan -- Divided Heart
Jacob -- Small piece of Wood
Joseph -- Miniature Walking Stick
Blessed Virgin Mary -- Tiny Statue or Picture of Mary
Christmas Day. Jesus -- Statue of Baby Jesus or a Chi Rho Symbol
