Summary: Students of art history may be familiar with the Tree of Jesse. The Tree of Jesse depicts the ancestors of Jesus in the form of a tree. The tree rises from Jesse, the father of King David. The concept of “family tree” that most are familiar with, is said to have originated with the Tree of Jesse. The Jesse Tree concept appears often in Christian art, especially during medieval times. If you were to look in medieval churches, you would find it in stained glass, on painted ceilings, and in various carvings. This Jesse Tree idea is based on these words from the prophet Isaiah: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him … and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” It’s a prophecy about Jesus. Today some Christians make their own version of a Jesse Tree for the instruction of children and creatively passing on the faith. This can be a fun tradition to start that is meaningful and helpful in reaching your world. You read Old Testament prophecies about our Lord, and add to the tree as Christmas gets closer. How are you remembering Jesus this Christmas season? How are you telling others in your world about Him? This is Luis Palau.
