angathome

We use a Jesse tree of some sort to count down to Christmas each year. Every day there is a section of the bible to read and a corresponding symbol to add to our tree, beginning with the creation of the world and moving on through some of the main events of the bible to finish on Christmas day with the birth of Jesus.

We started with traditional Jesse tree symbols (ideas for symbols here) to go with scrolls of bible verses, reading from the scroll each day and unwrapping the corresponding symbol. Another year we used clear glass jewels with Jesse tree symbol pictures behind them to make a magnetic Jesse tree (free printable here) and another year we counted down throughout December with the names of Jesus as our symbols. Other times we have used books like “The Jesse Tree” by Geraldine McCaughrean and “Grandpa’s Box” by Starr Meade.

This year we are reading a section a day from Ann Voskamp’s “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” and using her free printable symbols as well as our own that we have collected from previous years. I usually wrap the symbols because this makes it all the more exciting and the children take turns to open each one. This time I have sewed up some drawstring bags because wrapping them takes ages and from now on I’ll never have to do it again!

Here are our symbols to match the readings in Ann’s book:

1. Jesse tree – stump of Jesse prophesy (Place where love grows)
2. The world/planets/solar system – creation of the world (Created by love)
3. Apple – snake in the Garden of Eden (God is looking for you)
4. 3 birds that Noah sent out from the ark – Noah’s Ark (God’s tears)
5. Tent – Abraham follows God’s call (Count the stars)
   

   

   

   

   
6. As many descendants as the stars – Elizabeth’s baby (The gift of laughter)
7. Ram – Sacrifice of Isaac (Here I am)
8. Ladder – Jacob’s ladder dream (Climbing up)
9. Joseph’s coat (Surprise gifts)
10. Mini photo frames with the 10 commandments (Ten love rules)
    

    

    

    

    
11. Red rope – Rahab (The red rope)
12. Wheat – Ruth (The little things)
13. Crown – Samuel (Looking at things inside out)
14. Candle – Isaiah predicts a light in the darkness (A candle in the darkness)
15. Fire – Elijah calls down fire (Bowing down)
    

    

    

    

    
16. Whale – Jonah (Turning around)
17. Cottage – Bethlehem prophesy (A true fairy tale)
18. Shoe and “E” keyring – Esther (A bridge to the king)
19. Tower – Habakkuk (Watch and wait)
20. Angel & heart – Zechariah & Elizabeth (God remembers)
    

    

    

    

    
21. Fish – John the Baptist (Thunder in the dessert)
22. Heart with wedding rings – Mary (Wide-awake dreams)
23. Tools – Joseph (He can’t stay away)
24. Mary holding a baby – birth of Jesus (Kneel at the manger)
25. Star – leading to the manger (Never-ending Christmas)

Filed under: Celebrations, events & festivals (Christmas, birthdays etc.), Uncategorized | Tagged: advent, Christian, Christmas, Jesse tree |