The Jesse Tree: Introduction

For each day of this devotional journey, we encourage you to read the assigned passage of Scripture before reading the reflection. Allow God’s Word to be your primary guide, and let this resource serve as a supplement to that guidance, much like a map is to a lit path in the darkness. The lit path will show you the way; the map will aim to help you make sense of where that path is taking you.

The Jesse Tree is an Advent tradition dating back to at least the medieval period. The name comes from the prophet Isaiah, who spoke about a descendant of Jesse, the father of David:

As followers of Jesus, we believe that the “branch” is Jesus, who descended from the family tree of Jesse. From the time even before Jesse, we believe that God was preparing the world for the coming of the branch, and so in the Advent season, we likewise focus on preparation. Though the Old Testament saints were focused on preparing for the first advent of God’s messiah (savior king), our preparation is now for our messiah’s second advent when He will return to make all things new. So, throughout this Advent season, we will prepare each day for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas by tracing the story of Jesus from the Old Testament prophecies all the way to his birth.

For every day, a different icon and passage of scripture are paired with a devotional that has been crafted to explain how each of these prophecies or narratives points us to Jesus. Together, these help us enter into the significance of the Advent season, remembering how Jesus came in “the fullness of time,” and also further cultivating our anticipation for His glorious return.

In the Bible tab, under “plan”, you will find the Bible passages for that day, which pair with the devotional. When you finish the reading, press complete and keep track throughout your journey.

In your app’s account profile, you will find a “notes” section, where you are encouraged to journal your reflections.