Jesse Trees and Giving Trees: Living Traditions of Advent Hope and Giving
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As Advent draws near, many Catholic homes and parishes are preparing more than wreaths and lights. They’re setting up a Jesse Tree — a beautiful, hands-on tradition that invites families to journey through salvation history, reflect on Christ’s coming and serve those in need.
A Tradition Rooted in Scripture and History
The Jesse Tree takes its name from the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1) Jesse being the father of King David, this symbol points to the Messiah descending from David’s line.
In medieval art, the Tree of Jesse was depicted in stained-glass windows and illuminated manuscripts as a vine or tree growing, with branches bearing King David, the prophets, Mary and Christ.
Over time, Catholic families adapted this motif into a home or parish devotion during Advent. Each day might feature a biblical person or event, a symbol or ornament, and a short Scripture or reflection — helping both children and adults connect the Old Testament promise with the Incarnation of Christ.
What the Jesse Tree Teaches Us
The Jesse Tree reminds us that God’s plan for salvation unfolds over generations — it is not incidental or random but rooted in history and promise.
At its heart, the tradition invites Catholics to view their homes as domestic churches and their Advent calendars as more than mere countdowns, as a faithful preparation.
A Giving Tree Variant
Many parishes combine the Jesse Tree with an act of charity: a “Giving Tree.” This might be a taller tree or a display decorated with tags representing a person in need, a gift item or a prayer request. Parishioners take a tag, fulfill the need (for example, a gift for a child, a meal service donation or Christmas ministry support), and return the gift beneath the tree.
How to Get Involved at Your Parish
Ask your parish: Does the parish offer a Jesse Tree or Giving Tree program for Advent or the Christmas season?
Participate as a family: Select an ornament, read the Scripture or story, hang it on the tree and talk briefly about how it foreshadows Christ.
Serve through the Giving Tree: If your parish offers a Giving Tree, pick a tag and commit to the act of charity.
Bring the tradition home: Families can set up a branch, tree or simple display at home and hang symbols each night of Advent — a creative way to bring faith into the routine. For a guide on how to do that, visit CatholicCulture.
A Tradition of Hope
In an era when secular Christmas traditions often center on consumerism, the Jesse Tree provides a warm and instructive bridge back to meaning. It helps families trace the great story of salvation and then commit to giving in Christ’s name.
As we await the coming of Our Lord, let the branches you hang and the gifts you give become visible signs of the branch that grows from Jesse — Jesus Christ, the true fulfillment of every promise.
