This year, with my oldest turning three, I wanted to start some simple traditions to make this season of Advent anticipation a little more special. Enter: the Jesse Tree.

Thanks to the Internet, there is an endless supply of Jesse Tree resources, with multiple variations of the Jesse Tree to boot. The particular devotion that I managed to cobble together utilizes the following resources:

1. The Jesse Tree from Loyola Press, found here.
2. The Jesus Storybook Bible, which I’ve featured previously on the blog.
3. The Jesse Tree from the Diocese of Erie, found here.

Using the Loyola Press resource to establish the overall structure, I created the Jesse Tree Devotional for Kids with my 3-year old in mind, so I tried to keep it brief and with stories that I felt would appeal to a young audience (hence, most of my readings are from The Jesus Storybook Bible when possible). I later found the Diocese of Erie resource, which does a great job at connecting the readings to the ornament, so I decided to throw that into the mix as well.

So without further ado, click here to see what I’ll be using this year with my family:
Jesse Tree Devotional for Kids, Year C (.PDF)

Each night before bed, I plan to use the following format:

1. Read the reflection from the Diocese of Erie resource.
2. Have my daughter color that day’s ornament as I read the assigned Scripture reading. (I asked my husband do some simple drawings on cardstock and I’ll use a 2″ circle punch to make the ornament. I’ll try to get pictures up on the Facebook Page throughout Advent.)
3. Hang up the ornament on the Jesse Tree as I repeat the highlighted Scripture verse (in blue italics on the Erie resource).
4. End with some intentions and an Our Father.

We’ll see how it goes. And if you end up using this, let me know! I’m always looking for feedback, and will hopefully circle back to this next year and make adjustments where needed.

Happy Advent, folks! May this season be a time of joyful hope and blessed anticipation.