Why it is called a Jesse Tree
Isaiah 11:1 describes a new shoot growing from Jesse’s stump. Jesse was King David’s father; Christians read that promise in the light of Jesus, the son of David. The image also inspired Christian art showing Christ’s ancestry as a branching tree.
This home devotion is not an official daily lectionary. Families choose an ornament, read a short Scripture passage, and say a simple prayer. Our longer Jesse Tree article explores the background; the sequence below is a compact plan for December 1–24.
One common sequence, not the only one
Lists vary, and some families begin on the First Sunday of Advent instead of December 1. This is one common kind of 24-day sequence, with a selection of figures and symbols leading from Creation to the Nativity. Adapt it to your children’s ages and the time you have.
Use a branch, a small tree or a paper tree. Draw a symbol on paper, read a few verses from the listed passage, and ask what they show about God’s faithfulness. The references are devotion suggestions, not claims about the readings assigned at Mass.
December 1–24: figures, symbols and readings
- December 1
Creation
Symbol: Earth or stars
Genesis 1:1–31
- December 2
Adam and Eve
Symbol: Tree and fruit
Genesis 3:1–24
- December 3
Noah
Symbol: Ark or rainbow
Genesis 6:9–22; 9:8–17
- December 4
Abraham
Symbol: Stars
Genesis 12:1–9; 15:1–6
- December 5
Isaac
Symbol: Ram
Genesis 22:1–19
- December 6
Jacob
Symbol: Ladder
Genesis 28:10–22
- December 7
Joseph, son of Jacob
Symbol: Colorful coat
Genesis 37:1–11; 45:1–15
- December 8
Moses
Symbol: Burning bush
Exodus 3:1–15
- December 9
The Passover
Symbol: Lamb
Exodus 12:1–14
- December 10
The covenant at Sinai
Symbol: Stone tablets
Exodus 20:1–17
- December 11
Ruth
Symbol: Grain
Ruth 1:16–18; 2:1–12
- December 12
Jesse
Symbol: Stump with a shoot
1 Samuel 16:1–13; Isaiah 11:1
- December 13
David
Symbol: Harp
1 Samuel 16:14–23; 2 Samuel 7:8–16
- December 14
Solomon
Symbol: Temple
1 Kings 8:22–30
- December 15
Elijah
Symbol: Flame
1 Kings 18:20–39
- December 16
Isaiah
Symbol: Scroll
Isaiah 9:1–6; 11:1–10
- December 17
Jonah
Symbol: Great fish
Jonah 2:1–11; 3:1–10
- December 18
Daniel
Symbol: Lion
Daniel 6:17–24
- December 19
Zechariah and Elizabeth
Symbol: Small house
Luke 1:5–25
- December 20
John the Baptist
Symbol: Shell or water
Luke 1:57–80; 3:1–6
- December 21
Joseph
Symbol: Carpenter’s tools
Matthew 1:18–25
- December 22
Mary
Symbol: Lily
Luke 1:26–38
- December 23
Bethlehem
Symbol: Star
Micah 5:1–4; Matthew 2:1–6
- December 24
The Nativity
Symbol: Manger
Luke 2:1–20
Frequently asked questions
When should a family start the Jesse Tree?
This sequence begins December 1 and ends December 24. Other families start on the First Sunday of Advent and adjust the list to that year’s dates.
Is there one official Catholic Jesse Tree list?
No. Lists vary. A family may choose figures and Scripture passages that trace God’s promises toward the birth of Jesus.
Do we need special ornaments?
No. Paper drawings, a branch, or a paper tree can serve the devotion. A symbol and a short Scripture reading are enough.