Posted by 
A Daily Advent Reflection by ✠Jerome. Based upon the Traditional Symbology of the Jesse Tree. As we journey through Advent, the Jesse Tree invites us to trace the story of God’s salvation plan from creation to the coming of Christ.
Introduction
The Jesse Tree is a cherished Advent tradition that traces the lineage and salvation history leading to Jesus Christ. Rooted in Isaiah 11:1—”A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit”—the Jesse Tree connects the Old Testament promise of a Messiah to its fulfilment in the birth of Christ. It provides a visual and devotional way to prepare spiritually for Christmas, focusing on the deeper meaning of the season.
Each day, we meditate on a symbol, a Scripture, and a promise fulfilled in Jesus, the shoot from the root of Jesse. This ancient tradition draws us deeper into the mystery of God’s love, as revealed through His unfolding plan of redemption.
Through these reflections, may we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ anew, recognizing His presence in both the grandeur of salvation history and the quiet moments of our daily lives. Let us reflect, pray, and grow together as we anticipate the joy of Christmas and the fulfilment of God’s promises in our lives.
Subscribe to my channel
The Tradition of the Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree takes the form of a physical tree, a banner, or even a simple branch adorned with ornaments. Each ornament symbolizes a key person or event in salvation history, starting with creation and culminating in the Nativity. These symbols, such as an apple for Adam and Eve, an ark for Noah, a crown for David, and a manger for Christ, are paired with daily Scripture readings that recount God’s faithfulness and His plan for humanity’s redemption.
Families or individuals add an ornament to the Jesse Tree each day of Advent, turning this practice into a meaningful countdown to Christmas. It not only engages participants in biblical storytelling but also connects the Advent season with the overarching narrative of salvation.
Reclaiming Christmas Through Traditional Advent Practices
As part of the Old Roman Apostolate’s mission to revive the domestic church, reclaiming the Jesse Tree tradition is central to restoring the sacredness of Advent. In an age where Christmas has become increasingly secularized and commercialized, traditional Advent customs like the Jesse Tree offer families a way to resist these trends and focus on the true meaning of the season.
By embracing the Jesse Tree, families can reclaim Christmas as a time of spiritual preparation and joyful expectation. This tradition, when practiced in the home, strengthens the domestic church—the family—as a vital part of the universal Church. It fosters prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection, allowing children and adults alike to immerse themselves in the beauty and depth of the Advent season.
Reviving the Domestic Church
The Old Roman Apostolate’s commitment to reviving the domestic church aligns with a broader vision of renewing faith and practice in Catholic homes. The Jesse Tree is more than a decorative or nostalgic activity; it is a catechetical tool that teaches the faith and integrates it into daily life. By encouraging families to observe Advent customs, the Apostolate seeks to restore a sense of sacred time, helping families to live liturgically and deepen their connection to the mysteries of Christ.
Incorporating the Jesse Tree into Advent is a simple yet profound way to transform hearts and homes. It calls the faithful to prepare not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also for His eventual return in glory. Through such practices, the Apostolate invites families to participate in the Church’s mission of sanctification, ensuring that the true light of Christmas shines brightly in an often-darkened world.
Jesse Tree Symbols
Below is a list of traditional Jesse Tree symbols, organized chronologically according to salvation history, along with their biblical references. Usually 24 symbols are chosen, one for each day of Advent. These symbols represent key figures and events leading to the birth of Christ:
Creation to Patriarchs
- Earth/Globe – Creation of the world (Genesis 1:1-31)
- Apple with Serpent – Adam and Eve and the Fall (Genesis 3:1-24)
- Ark – Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6:11-22; 7:1-24)
- Rainbow – God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17)
- Tent or Stars – Abraham and God’s promise (Genesis 12:1-7; 15:1-6)
- Ram – Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19)
- Ladder – Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28:10-22)
- Coat of Many Colors – Joseph’s story (Genesis 37:1-36)
Exodus to the Promised Land
- Burning Bush – God calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)
- Tablets of Stone – The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-21)
- Scarlet Cord – Rahab and the spies (Joshua 2:1-21)
Judges and Kings
- Wheat Sheaf – Ruth’s loyalty (Ruth 1:15-18; 2:1-17)
- Slingshot – David defeats Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-51)
- Crown – King David’s reign (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
Prophets
- Temple – Solomon builds the temple (1 Kings 5:5; 6:1-38)
- Fire or Stone Altar – Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-46)
- Scroll – Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; 11:1-9)
- Dove – Prophecy of peace (Isaiah 9:2-7; Isaiah 11:1-10)
- Tear or Broken Wall – Jeremiah and the promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
- Lion and Lamb – Messianic peace (Isaiah 11:6-9)
Exile and Return
- Brick Wall – Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:1-20)
- Bethlehem Star – Micah prophesies the Savior’s birthplace (Micah 5:2)
New Testament
- Shell – John the Baptist and baptism (Matthew 3:1-11)
- Angel – Gabriel announces the coming of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
- Virgin Mary – Symbolized by a lily or crown (Luke 1:46-55)
- Carpenter’s Tools – Joseph’s obedience (Matthew 1:18-25)
- Manger – Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
- Star or Magi’s Gifts – Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)
This comprehensive set of symbols provides a visual and meditative way to trace God’s covenantal promises throughout salvation history. Families and communities may adapt or simplify these symbols depending on their particular traditions or available resources.
