This Might Be the Best Jesse Tree Set Ever

Ever since Faith Alive developed the popular God’s Big Story cards as a faith formation tool for churches to share with families, I’ve been dreaming of a way to use the cards’ beautiful story symbols and simple devotional style in a Jesse Tree format. So today I’m thrilled to announce that this dream just came true in ways that were more than I could have ever asked or imagined.

Jesse Tree: God’s Big Advent Story is here, and it might just be the best Jesse Tree set ever!

This family-friendly set includes 25 colorful Story Symbols to download, print, and use as Jesse Tree ornaments, plus very simple devotions every family can do with kids of all ages. The symbols are the same symbols used in the Dwell curriculum. Each day’s reading invites families to read and wonder about a Bible story together, pray together, and step away from the busyness of the season by taking a moment together to just breathe. 

And how’s this for exciting? Thanks to the financial support of donors from across the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Jesse Tree: God’s Big Advent Story is 100% free. #gift #ministry. So help yourself! And share the link to this page with others too. 

If you’re part of a church, we encourage you to spread the word and share this resource with ministry leaders and families via your social media platforms. Even better, print a copy for every family with children (or every household) in your congregation. Better yet, consider creating an advent bag for each family which includes the Jesse Tree: God’s Big Advent Story resource and some simple tools to make it even easier to use such as set of 25 2-inch (5cm) wooden circles (to turn the symbols into hanging ornaments), a Christmas tree shape cut from green cardstock sheet or a dollar store vase and stones into which they can place a branch for their Jesse Tree. And as a gift to help them continue their family devotion adventure, consider added a gift wrapped set of God’s Big Story cards with a “Don’t open until Christmas!” tag attached. 

If you’re a parent or grandparent who’s looking for a no-fuss way to form faith at home during Advent, we’re so glad you landed here. Download and use Jesse Tree: God’s Big Advent Story in whatever way makes sense for your household. And if you aren’t able to do all 25 devotions, that’s okay. There’s always next year!  

Enjoy!

P.S. The ideas that people have been sharing with us for how they intend to use this resource are amazing! You'll find them all at Super Ideas for Making and Using Jesse Tree: God’s Big Advent Story.