A Christmas tradition to share with your family
A Christmas tradition to share with your family
27 November 2016
This year, I’ll start a new tradition with my family – The Jesse Tree. It’s the story of Jesus’ family tree, beginning in the Old Testament. Hopefully, making the tree will be the source of years of memories for my children and they’ll pass the tradition along.
Isaiah 11:1 says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
Jesse was the father of the biblical King David. But what or, better yet, who, is the fruit? Jesus.
As with many families, Jesus’ family had its flaws. Bible stories share these less–than–perfect moments from the generations leading up to his birth. The beauty behind the Jesse Tree comes from its relatable, familiar and genuine story. It also has the most incredible ending – the gift of Jesus.
Although the practice of making Jesse Trees began many years ago, it was a new concept to me. The more I researched it, the more I became intrugued. I learned the purpose of a Jesse Tree is to unfold the story of Jesus’ family and to learn more about them each day as the calendar moves closer to Christmas.
This advent tradition can be fun because families get involved by making unique Jesse Trees. For instance, branches can be created on a fridge or put in a pot. Various materials can be used to decorate and personalise a mini tree. Ornaments can be purchased, made, or printed from internet sites.
Each day as the story progresses, you can hang the appropriate ornament on the tree. Other options for creating Jesse Trees can be found on Pinterest. Numerous ornament tutorials, Scripture verse listings, and pinables are available.
We know the Christmas story. But who could imagine our God, who is so big and great, would choose a baby to bring the greatest gift to humankind?
After some research, I purchased two books on the Jesse Tree by Ann Voskamp, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas (2014, Tyndale) and her adult devotional book, The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas (2013, Tyndale), which begins on 1 December and finishes on 25 December.
The first book has beautiful illustrations for each day, along with Scripture verses, a short story, discussion questions, and suggested family activities. The questions are kid–friendly and provide opportunity for conversations on faith, love for God, and the application of the Bible in our lives. It’s a great conversation starter to share with family or friends who are new to the story of Jesus.
The Scripture references in Voskamp’s devotional book are the same as the family edition, but go deeper. The devotional also encourages daily action and includes inspirational quotes from classic theologians, pastors, and other Christians. Reflective questions for personal growth are also included. Both books offer free printable ornaments.
Christmas is the perfect time to reflect, engage in discussion, and bring traditions into the family fold. The tree represents hope, renewal and faith. God weaves his gift to us through these stories.
Joanna Polarek is the Spiritual Life Development (SLD) resource development coordinator, USA Eastern Territory
This article first published in SA Connects.
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