The Jesse Tree was first imagined in early medieval times as a way to represent the lineage of Jesus. It was the original 'family tree' and the design forms the basis of all subsequent schematic representations of genealogies.

Jesus' lineage in Matthew's Gospel (written for a Jewish readership) traces Jesus back to Abraham);
Luke's Gospel (being addressed to a far wider audience) traces Jesus back beyond Abraham to Adam - and takes a path different from Matthew's list.
Jesse Trees can be found in stained glass windows, carvings, paintings, or, as here, in your home.

We will use 25 stories to journey from Creation to Jesus' birth: it's the great Advent adventure.

The tree is named for Jesse the father of the great Israelite king David.
A prophesy recorded in the book of Isaiah, says:

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—
yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
He will delight in obeying the LORD.
He will not judge by appearance<
nor make a decision based on hearsay.
He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked

Chapter 11, verses 1-4 (New Living Translation)

A branch is a sign of new life and new beginnings. Jesus was a descendent of King David and Christians acknowledge that Jesus is this new branch: one who embodies wisdom and justice; one who is God's love, power and authority in Creation; and the one whom, ultimately, all will acknowledge as the just King over all.

Click the image to access a set of 25 readings musings
which compliment the tree-hangings

They are free for private use. Thank you.