The Jesse Tree receives its name from Jesse, the father of King David, from whose house the lineage of Jesus can be traced through his earthly father, Joseph. Mary's father, Joachim, also was a descendant of the house of David. The first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew gives the entire listing of the lineage of Jesus, commencing with Abraham.
Shortly before Advent, select a bare branch of a tree (other than an evergreen) to use as the Jesse Tree. Prop it in a bucket filled with sand or soil (perhaps with rocks if the branch is large or heavy). There need be only enough branches with twigs to hold 23 to 29 symbols, depending on the number of days in Advent. The bucket can be covered with paper or foil to make it more attractive.
The daily Jesse Tree ceremony can be coupled with the ceremony of the Advent wreath if you wish. Light the Advent candle(s) and say an appropriate prayer. Then place the day's symbol for the Jesse Tree on a branch and recite the prayer for the day.
The symbol can be made by a different member of the family each day, all the prayers also can be read throughout the Advent season by different family members. Symbols can be made from paper, cardboard, ribbon and scraps of wrapping paper. If you choose to do so, you could construct more expensive and permanent symbols. On Christmas Day a string of white lights and some glittering ornaments can be added. Be creative! Let your family's Jesse Tree be distinctively your own.
PRAYERS & SYMBOLS: WEEK 1
Jesse Tree Prayer (to be recited each night)
Lord, we pray that we may be part of your family. Help us to be more loving, caring members of our own family here at home. Grant that we may not only be aware of people who are hurting in our communities of family, neighborhood, school, job, and town but help us to find ways to help them. Grant that we may truly prepare for your coming at Christmas during this Advent season. Grant us the power and wisdom to transform whatever is sinful in our natures into good. Amen.
Day 1. Abraham Symbol: Scroll, Image of the Covenant
Lord, we remember how you promised our father Abraham in the covenant you made with him to give him descendants throughout the world. One of those descendants was to be your Son, Jesus, whose coming to earth we remember at Christmas. Grant that we may work for peace and justice for the poor as Jesus did. Let this be our new covenant. Amen.
Day 2. Isaac Symbol: The Lamb
Lord, we ask you to help us to be good shepherds as was our father Isaac. He had many sheep whom he guarded carefully. Grant that we may develop the talents you have given us as Isaac developed his flocks. Grant, too, that we may carefully shepherd the air, the water, and the land so that they may not be polluted or spoiled for future generations. Amen.
Day 3. Jacob Symbol: Stone
Lord, Jacob declared, "This stone that I have set up as a memorial stone shall be God's abode. Of everything you give me, I will faithfully return a tenth part to you" (Genesis 28:22). We ask you to grant us the gift of faith that may increase with each day of our lives. We also pray that we may be generous in sharing with others in our faith community and outside it. We praise your name both now and forever. Amen.
Day 4. Judah Symbol: Crown
Lord, your servant Judah was declared to be a king and leader by his father, Jacob. "The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people's homage" (Genesis 49:10). Grant, dear Lord, that we may respect those in authority; but, above all, we pray that we shall never forget that you, Lord, are our supreme authority. You are our God and Father, now and forever. Amen.
Day 5. Boaz Symbol: Wedding Ring
Lord, Boaz became the husband of Ruth, a Moabite woman. He treasured this stranger as a great blessing to him. Father, grant that we may be open to meeting and sharing with the strangers we meet. May we not be indifferent to those whose backgrounds and experiences are different from our own. We ask you to help us to be faithful to those to whom we have pledged our devotion. May we also be faithful to the requirements of our membership in the People of God. Amen.
Day 6. Ruth Symbol: Grains of Wheat or Sheaves of Wheat
Lord, just as Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley so she would not go to her mother-in-law, Naomi, empty-handed, grant that we may not appear before you empty-handed. May we bring gifts of love for one another, concern for the poor and suffering in our community, and a rich life of prayer to you, our Lord. We ask you this through the intercession of your divine Son, Jesus, who came to earth through the line of Obed, son of Ruth and Boaz. Amen.
PRAYERS & SYMBOLS: WEEK 2
Jesse Tree Prayer (to be recited each night)
Lord, we pray that we may be part of your family. Help us to be more loving, caring members of our own family here at home. Grant that we may not only be aware of people who are hurting in our communities of family, neighborhood, school, job, and town but help us to find ways to help them. Grant that we may truly prepare for your coming at Christmas during this Advent season. Grant us the power and wisdom to transform whatever is sinful in our natures into good. Amen.
Day 1. Obed Symbol: Root of Jesse
Lord, we pray that we may be able to influence others for good. The root produced by Jesse, son of Obed, through David and Solomon to Jesus was truly the greatest influence for good ever to come to humanity. May we always be ready to perform acts of loving and caring so that others may also share with their fellow human beings. May we encourage those who are lonely or sad. Help us, Lord, to reach out to others, particularly to those who are hurting. Amen.
Day 2. Jesse Symbol: Shepherd's Crook
Lord, you made David, son of Jesse of Bethlehem, the ruler of Israel in place of King Saul. Jesse was a shepherd and the father of four sons of whom David was the youngest. May we shoulder our responsibilities, be they finishing homework, arriving at work on time, giving our employees a fair wage, managing well the resources in our control, or taking part in the services of our church with integrity and dedication. May we be effective sons and daughters of Jesse. Amen.
Day 3. David Symbol: Harp
Lord, David was not only a great warrior and king but he was a wonderful poet and musician. He sang this song to you, "O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my rock of refuge, my savior, from violence you keep me safe." Grant, O Lord, that we can pray with David that our home may be a place of love, safety, and peace. May we praise you within our home, Lord, and be gracious hosts to those who visit us. Amen.
Day 4. Solomon Symbol: Gold Pieces
Lord, David's son, Solomon, was also known as a lover of words, of beauty, and of gold. May we use the money we earn wisely and share some of it with those in need. You, Lord, truly lived a life for others here on earth; may we be willing to follow in your footsteps. As Christmas draws near, may we find more ways to reach out to people who need our help. We ask you this through your Son, Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and your Holy Spirit for ever. Amen.
Day 5. Rehoboam Symbol: Tablet Inscribed: "O Lord, I Am Not Worthy."
Lord, Rehoboam, the Son of Solomon, like all humans committed sins. He became more interested in his own power and glory than in praising you, Lord. May we cry with him as he recorded on a tablet, "Lord, I am not worthy." Lord, it is through your grace and forgiveness that we are saved. Grant that our faith in you may grow stronger each day of our lives. Amen.
Day 6. Jehoshaphat Symbol: Tablet of Laws
Lord, King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, restored your laws and your forms of worship after his father strayed from them late in life. Lord, grant that we may persevere in obeying your commandments and being zealous in worship. May we be models of faithful Christian love to one another and to the people we meet in our daily lives. Grant that the Advent season may be a period of renewal of our faith and see an increase in our participation in the sacraments. Amen.
PRAYERS & SYMBOLS: WEEK 3
Jesse Tree Prayer (to be recited each night)
Lord, we pray that we may be part of your family. Help us to be more loving, caring members of our own family here at home. Grant that we may not only be aware of people who are hurting in our communities of family, neighborhood, school, job, and town but help us to find ways to help them. Grant that we may truly prepare for your coming at Christmas during this Advent season. Grant us the power and wisdom to transform whatever is sinful in our natures into good. Amen.
Day 1. Jehoram (Joram) Symbol: Oil Lamp
Lord, King Jehoram was an evil king who broke from faithful worship of you, the one God. The Second Book of Chronicles tells us that the Lord would not destroy the house of David during the reign of Jehoram because of the covenant he had made with David and his promise to give David and his sons a lamp for all time. As we await the coming of the greatest Son of David's line, Jesus, may we find ways to bring light- the light of truth and love - where there is falsehood and hatred. Help us to see how we may bring light to this dark world. Amen.
Day 2. Uzziah Symbol: Tower
Lord, Uzziah built a tower to protect Israel. May we be watchful for opportunities to assist others! May we, however, not build towers to keep people out of our lives. Help us to be open to others, to be able to take the risk of being rejected as we reach out to make friends. Grant that this Christmas we may welcome others to our home and be open to visiting others in theirs. We ask you these things through your Son, Jesus, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Day 3. Jotham Symbol: Gate
Lord, Jotham built the upper gate of the Temple in your honor. Grant that we in our house may always honor you and encourage others to do the same. May we also open our gates and doors to welcome others and may we prove to be gracious hosts and hostesses. Lord, may all people work together for peace on earth and goodwill towards others. Amen.
Day 4. Hezekiah Symbol: Candle
Lord, Hezekiah lighted new candles in your holy Temple as he cleansed your sacred place of the idols his father, Ahaz, had placed there. Father, may we always light candles of faith to encourage others. Grant that we speak positively rather than negatively. May this Christmas prove to be an opportunity for our family to become even more united in love. Amen.
Day 5. Manasseh Symbol: Incense Urn
Lord, although King Manasseh sinned against you by worshipping the pagan god Baal, he later repented, cleansed your Temple, and burned incense in your honor. Grant, Lord, that we may repent of our sins when we go astray. Grant also that we may honor you with frequent prayer and reading of Scripture. Lord, may we have an especially holy and meaningful Christmas. Amen.
Day 6. Amon Symbol: Black sheep
Lord, it is said that every family has a black sheep. Amon must be one of the black sheep of the lineage of Jesus. Where Scripture tells of the repenting of David, Solomon, and Manasseh, others, like Ahaz and Amon, did not repent. Lord, grant that we may be able to repent of our sins and keep our faith strong. May we also be able to assist others who are experiencing temptation and the dangers of sin. May we seek reconciliation with you, Lord, particularly in this Advent season. Amen.
PRAYERS & SYMBOLS: WEEK 4
Jesse Tree Prayer (to be recited each night)
Lord, we pray that we may be part of your family. Help us to be more loving, caring members of our own family here at home. Grant that we may not only be aware of people who are hurting in our communities of family, neighborhood, school, job, and town but help us to find ways to help them. Grant that we may truly prepare for your coming at Christmas during this Advent season. Grant us the power and wisdom to transform whatever is sinful in our natures into good. Amen.
Day 1. Josiah Symbol: Second Covenant, Scroll
Lord, just as Josiah renewed the covenant with you that his father Amon had broken, grant that we may always renew our relationship with you when we have wandered from the true path to salvation. Grant that we may not hesitate to renew broken relationships with our friends or with family members. May we work for unity in all our communities at school, at work, at church, and especially in our own family. Amen.
Day 2. Eliakim Symbol: Paper Chains
Lord, King Jehoiakim, whose family name was Eliakim, was taken prisoner by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Grant that we may not become prisoners of bad habits, of material possessions, or of self-indulgence. Grant that we may be freed to become our real selves, the persons who can love, care, and share with one another and other people in need. Amen.
Day 3. Matthan Symbol: Divided Heart
Lord, Matthan was the earthly great-grandfather of Jesus. Matthan lived during a time of civil war in Israel. Lord, grant that our family may not be divided but that we may work together to forge a bond of unity. May we all realize that there is no perfect human union; however, grant that division may be only temporary in our household. Finally, Lord, we ask that our country and the family of nations may seek a unity of peace on earth, good will to all. Amen.
Day 4. Jacob Symbol: Small piece of Wood
Lord, Jacob, grandfather of Jesus, was probably a carpenter like his son Joseph. Grant that we may not hesitate to undertake humble duties. May we appreciate the ordinary tasks of everyday life: cooking, washing, cleaning, and gardening, by which we express our love for one another. May we be open to assisting those who can no longer undertake these tasks. Lord, grant that your Son may come into our souls this Christmas. Amen.
Day 5. Joseph Symbol: Miniature Walking Stick
Lord, tradition tells us that Joseph, the foster father of your Son, Jesus, was an older man when he married Mary. May we appreciate the older members of our family and be especially caring and loving for them. May we also reach out to assist the older folks in our neighborhood and larger community. May our family seek to imitate the Holy Family in the way we love and support one another. Amen.
Day 6. Blessed Virgin Mary Symbol: Tiny Statue or Picture of Mary
Blessed Mary, our Mother and our Queen, without your "yes" to God's invitation for you to be the mother of his Son, we would still be lost in the swamp of original sin. We children of Adam and Eve would lack the redemption of your Son, Jesus. Holy Mary, we pray that you will ask your Son to grant us the virtues necessary for eternal salvation. On this eve of Christmas, Lord, grant that our family may model itself after the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph during the coming year. Help us to place spiritual values before material ones. We ask you this as we repeat once more the song of the angels on Christmas Eve, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, good will, to all people." Amen.
Christmas Day. Jesus Symbol: Statue of Baby Jesus or a Chi Rho Symbol
Our Father in heaven, we thank you for sharing Jesus, your divine Son, with us. Especially at Christmas we are aware of our redemption. The gift of your Son has made it possible for us all to anticipate eternal life. On this Christmas day we pray that we may keep the spirit of your Son's love burning brightly in us throughout the year. Grant, too, that we may be able to share this love more readily with others. May we, as it was said of Dickens's Scrooge after he became aware of the true meaning of Christmas, be known as people who keep Christmas alive every day of the year. Amen.