One way to enhance this time of expectation is to create a Jesse Tree. A Jesse Tree is a small tree decorated with symbols portraying the spiritual heritage of Jesus, a royal family tree of sorts. Check out these resources to get started:
The Jesse Tree: Stories and Symbols of Advent
This lovely book, written in 1966 by Raymond and Georgene Anderson, shares the heritage of Jesus in stories and symbols. The Resource Center has used this book to create a bulletin board Jesse Tree that climbs up the wall and over part of the ceiling, symbols floating for all to enjoy!
The Jesse Tree
In this modern-day story, the symbols are added day by day during the season of advent, and day by day the old stories are retold, culminating in the stories of the first Christmas. Whether the twenty-four stories in this book are read during Advent or enjoyed one afternoon in mid-summer, they are a great addition to the understanding of Advent and the Jesse tree for all ages.
There are lots of activities and recipes and Bible studies out there in 'Blog-land', but I recently found this sweet one from Ann at A Holy Experience. It's free, downloadable, printable, and includes some lovely ornaments to cut out for each day's reading. In addition to the daily scripture, there are meditations, prayers, and ways to 'unwrap His love in the world' - small gestures to share the good news. Click HERE to learn more about downloading this resource.
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