Jesse Tree

Bill and I both felt like the kids needed some preparation for celebrating Christmas. I had heard of a Jesse Tree so I did some reading about it, and we decided to introduce it as a new family tradition.

The kids and I cut a couple of branches off a tree in the yard, and Ella and I made ornaments following patterns and ideas from a book we bought.

Each night after dinner Bill would read a devotional and the kids took turns hanging an ornament. Some of it was a little advanced for the younger kids, but we're hopeful that repeating this each year will solidify the story in their hearts.

The devotionals...they were chronological from creation through years and families until the birth of Jesus. "Although not all of the characters are in the direct line of Jesus, they are all part of his national family and each foretold something about the promised Messiah." From the intro of The Jesse Tree by Lawrence and Hubbard