Jesse Tree for Advent: What It Is, Daily Readings and Ornament Ideas
The Jesse Tree is one of the oldest Advent traditions, and one of the simplest. Jesse was the father of King David. Christians read Isaiah's image of a new shoot growing from Jesse's family tree as pointing to the birth of Jesus. Medieval churches showed this "Tree of Jesse" in stained glass and carvings. Families today make a small version at home.
How it works
- Choose a 'tree': a bare branch in a jar, a small potted tree, or a tree drawn on poster paper
- Make one simple ornament for each day, from paper, felt or salt dough
- Each evening, read the day's short story or verse and hang the matching ornament
- Talk for a minute about it, then light the Advent wreath or finish with a song
You can follow the four Sundays of Advent, which start on 29 November in 2026, or run it from 1 to 24 December to match a numbered advent calendar.
A 24-day Jesse Tree reading and ornament list
| Day | Story | Ornament |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creation (Genesis 1) | Sun and moon |
| 2 | Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) | Apple |
| 3 | Noah (Genesis 6-9) | Ark or rainbow |
| 4 | Abraham's promise (Genesis 15) | Stars |
| 5 | Isaac (Genesis 22) | Ram |
| 6 | Jacob's dream (Genesis 28) | Ladder |
| 7 | Joseph (Genesis 37) | Colourful coat |
| 8 | Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3) | Flame |
| 9 | Passover (Exodus 12) | Lamb |
| 10 | The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) | Stone tablets |
| 11 | Ruth (Ruth 1) | Wheat |
| 12 | Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) | Tree stump with a shoot |
| 13 | David the shepherd king (1 Samuel 16) | Harp or crown |
| 14 | Solomon (1 Kings 3) | Temple |
| 15 | Elijah (1 Kings 18) | Altar with fire |
| 16 | Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 9:6) | Scroll |
| 17 | Jonah (Jonah 1-2) | Whale |
| 18 | Jeremiah (Jeremiah 33) | Branch |
| 19 | Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1) | Incense or a tablet |
| 20 | John the Baptist (Luke 1) | Shell |
| 21 | The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) | Lily |
| 22 | Joseph's dream (Matthew 1) | Hammer |
| 23 | The journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2) | Donkey |
| 24 | The birth of Jesus (Luke 2) | Star or manger |
Lists vary between churches and books, and that's fine. Many families add the shepherds and the angels on Christmas Eve.
Easy ornament ideas
- Paper circles: print or draw 24 simple symbols, colour them in and punch a hole for ribbon
- Felt shapes: they last for years and are safe for toddlers
- Salt dough: bake the shapes in November and paint them over a weekend
- Clothes pegs: clip a small card with the symbol and verse straight onto the branch
- Shared tree: each family or Sunday-school child makes a few, and everyone swaps
Tips for doing it with children
- Keep each night to five minutes. Read a children's Bible version rather than the full chapter
- Let a different child hang the ornament each night
- If you miss a day, read two stories the next night
- Pair it with an activity advent calendar or a book advent calendar if you want a small treat too
Quick FAQ
Why is it called a Jesse Tree? Because of Isaiah 11:1, which says a shoot will come from the stump of Jesse, the father of King David. The tree traces Jesus's family line and the stories that lead up to his birth.
When do you start a Jesse Tree? On the first Sunday of Advent (29 November 2026) or on 1 December if you use a 24-day list.
Is the Jesse Tree Catholic or Protestant? Both. It is used in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and other churches, and in many homes.
Sources: Loyola Press: The Jesse Tree; Loyola Press: Jesse Tree Advent activity and symbols; Isaiah 11:1-10 (Bible Gateway).