As we prepare for the Advent season, I am excited to share with you a collection of beautiful Jesse Tree ornaments that you can print and use to celebrate the coming of our Lord. These ornaments are not only visually stunning, but they are also packed with spiritual meaning and biblical references that will deepen your understanding and reverence for this holy season.
The Story Behind the Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, when Christians would decorate their homes with symbols that told the story of salvation history, from the creation of the world to the birth of Jesus. The name “Jesse” comes from the father of King David, who was a symbol of the royal line of Judah that led to the coming of the Messiah. Each ornament on the tree represents a different biblical figure or event that points to the coming of Jesus, such as Noah’s ark, the Ten Commandments, and the prophets foretelling his birth.
Creating Your Jesse Tree
One of the great things about the Jesse Tree tradition is that it can be done in many different ways, depending on your preferences and needs. You can make your own ornaments using paper, felt, or other craft materials, or you can use printable ornaments that are already designed and ready to go. You can also choose how many ornaments to include and whether to do the full 25 days of Advent, or a shorter version.
One popular way to display the ornaments is to hang them on a smaller tree or branch, either in a central location in your home or in your prayer space. You can also use a poster or banner with the symbols, or even a digital version on your computer or tablet. There are also many resources available to guide you through the daily readings and reflections that accompany the ornaments, such as books, websites, podcasts, and apps.
The Spiritual Significance of the Symbols
Each Jesse Tree ornament has a rich spiritual significance that can deepen your understanding and appreciation of God’s plan of salvation. Here are just a few examples:
- The apple symbolizes the sin of Adam and Eve, which brought death and separation from God into the world.
- The ark represents God’s covenant with Noah, which saved him and his family from the flood and renewed the promise of life and blessings.
- The tablets of the Ten Commandments remind us of God’s holy law, which guides and protects us as his chosen people.
- The prophet Isaiah points to the coming of the Messiah as the “shoot from the stump of Jesse,” who will bring justice and peace to the world.
By contemplating and meditating on these symbols, we can connect more deeply with the biblical story and see how it leads to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We can also find inspiration and encouragement for our own lives, as we strive to live according to God’s will and share his love with others.
A Free Jesse Tree Ornament Set
To help you get started with your Jesse Tree, I have found an amazing resource that offers a free downloadable set of Jesse Tree ornaments! The set includes 25 full-color images of each symbol, along with a brief description and reference to the corresponding Bible story. The images are high-quality and easy to print on standard paper or cardstock. The website also provides suggestions for how to use the ornaments and incorporate them into your Advent devotions.
Whether you are new to the Jesse Tree tradition or a seasoned veteran, this set is a wonderful way to enhance your experience and bring more beauty and meaning to your holiday season. Plus, it’s completely free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection!
Other Jesse Tree Resources
If you want to go deeper with your Jesse Tree devotion, there are many other great resources available online and in print. Here are a few suggestions:
- Catholic Icing has an extensive collection of free printable Jesse Tree ornaments, coloring pages, and devotional booklets for kids and adults.
- Jesse Tree Kit by Lynn M. Simms is a popular guidebook that includes 28 daily Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers, as well as instructions for making your own ornaments.
- Jesse Tree Devotions for Advent by Alan and Linda Schreck is a book that provides daily reflections and prayers based on the Jesse Tree symbols, as well as instructions for making your own ornaments.
Whatever resources you choose, I pray that your Jesse Tree devotion will be a blessed and joyful experience that brings you closer to Jesus and fills your home with the light of his love. May this Advent be a time of renewal, hope, and peace for you and those you love!
A Creative and Meaningful Tradition
The Jesse Tree tradition is a creative and meaningful way to celebrate Advent and prepare your heart for Christmas. Whether you make your own ornaments or use a downloadable set, whether you display them on a tree, poster, or digital device, whether you do the full 25 days or a shorter version, you can experience the beauty and power of God’s saving plan in a new and inspiring way.
May God bless you as you journey through this holy season, and may the symbols of the Jesse Tree remind you of the great love and mercy that God has for each one of us. Let us prepare our hearts and our homes to welcome the newborn King, who brings us salvation, joy, and peace.
