The Jesse Tree: The Family Tree of Jesus

The tradition of the Jesse Tree is a beautiful and symbolic way of reflecting on God’s unfolding plan of salvation. The Jesse Tree takes its name from a verse in Isaiah 11:1: “Out of the stump of Jesse will grow a shoot—yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root.” This promise, made long ago, pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, from the line of David (Jesse's son).

As you walk through these Bible stories, you’ll see how God has been at work throughout history to bring His promise to fruition. God is not distant or uninterested in us; He has been actively pursuing us since the very beginning, seeking to restore us to Himself. God’s plan to redeem the world was set in motion long before the first Christmas, and it continues to unfold today.

Jesus, the Savior Who Restores All Things

At the heart of Advent is the story of God’s love for us. Jesus came into the world not only to be born in a manger but to rescue us from the brokenness of sin. From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to restore His creation and bring us back into relationship with Him. Through Jesus, we are invited to experience the restoration of shalom—peace, wholeness, and healing for our hearts, our relationships, and the world.

This shalom is not just something we hope for in the future, but something we can experience now, through our relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the promised Messiah who brings us back to God, restoring what was lost and healing what is broken. As we celebrate Advent, we not only look back at the birth of Jesus but also look forward to His return, when He will restore all things to perfect peace and wholeness.

Advent is not just about remembering a baby in a manger; it’s about the King who came to heal, restore, and bring shalom to the world. Through Him, we have been invited to live in the reality of God’s Kingdom now—a Kingdom of mercy, justice, and peace.

While we live in the “already but not yet” of God's Kingdom, we also wait for the full and complete restoration of all things. Advent calls us to live in hope and anticipation, trusting that one day Jesus will return to bring peace, heal the brokenness of creation, and restore all things to their original perfection. Until that day, we live as ambassadors of His Kingdom, sharing His love and light in a world still in need of His healing.

The Choice Between Trees: Trust or Define?

Advent also invites us to reflect on the choice between trees—the choice made in the Garden of Eden, and the choice we face every day. In the Garden, Adam and Eve were presented with the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They chose their own understanding and ate of the tree knowledge of good and evil, rather than trusting God’s goodness. That choice led to the brokenness we experience today.

The love and grace of God has continually invited us back to a path that leads to wholeness, reconciliation, and restoration. That path leads us to Jesus. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He has made a way for us to return to God, to trust in His goodness, and to receive the peace and restoration He offers. Each day of Advent, as we reflect on the stories in the Jesse Tree, we are invited to choose once again: Will we trust in God’s promises, or will we try to define good and evil on our own?

Through Jesus, God has made a way back to Himself, inviting us to trust in His plan and receive the peace (shalom) He offers.

Ideas for Celebrating Advent with the Jesse Tree

Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Advent and grow closer to Jesus during this season:

1. Read the Jesse Tree Devotional and Reflect on God's Heart:
   Each day, read the Bible story that corresponds with the day’s Jesse Tree ornament. Reflect on how each story points to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about how God's love has been at work throughout history.

2. Reflect on the “Choice Between Trees”:
   As you read the stories, remember the choice made in the Garden of Eden: to trust God’s goodness or try to define what is good on our own. Advent is a time to reflect on how we make this choice in our own lives.

3. Create a Jesse Tree or Add Ornaments to Your Christmas Tree (Optional):
   Make or purchase ornaments that represent the Bible stories you’re reading. Each ornament helps visually connect you to the unfolding story of God’s redemption. This is a meaningful way to remember the greater story of Jesus during Advent.

4. Pray and Worship Together:
   Spend time in prayer each day, thanking God for His love and for sending Jesus to save us. Light an Advent candle, sing a worship song, or simply sit in quiet reflection, remembering the wonder of God's love for you.

5. Serve Others:
   Advent is also a time to share the love of Christ. Look for ways to serve your family, neighbors, and community. Show God’s love through simple acts of kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or offering encouragement.

Wait, Reflect, and Prepare

Let us wonder at the love of God and his heart to make all things new. Let us reflect on God’s mercy, His faithfulness throughout history, and His promises for the future. May our hearts be filled with hope, peace, and joy.

May we experience the peace (shalom) of Christ now and forever. May our love for Jesus increase, our hope in His promises be renewed, and our eyes be opened to His work in our lives and in the world around us.

As we wait for His return, may we live as ambassadors of His Kingdom, sharing His love and peace with others and eagerly anticipating the day when all things will be made new.