One of our favorite Christmas traditions is our little Jesse tree.
This year we have been making homemade Jesse tree ornaments to add to the tree.
So far we have the ornaments for days 1-7 on the tree. Today I am sharing with you the ornaments we have ready for days 8-14.
There is still time to start your own Jesse tree tradition! Gather the children and make these simple ornaments each day after the Bible passage reading.
Affiliate links provided below.
Homemade Jesse Tree Ornaments
Day 8: To represent Joseph, make a robe of many colors (Genesis 37).
You can cut a robe shape from colorful cloth you already have, or use a piece of white fabric and draw a rainbow of colorful lines on it with permanent markers. Use a snipped piece of pipe cleaner (chenille stick) to form a clothes hanger to attach it to your tree.
Day 9: When it comes to Moses, everyone thinks of the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20).
To make the ornament, cut 2 tablet shapes from craft foam and write Roman numerals 1-5 on one and 6-10 on the other. Glue the two tablets together and add a loop of yarn for hanging.
Day 10: This day focuses on Joshua and the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6).
To remind the kids of this passage, create your own tumbling walls. Cut a wall from red craft foam and draw bricks on it. Then cut the wall in half and hot glue the pieces together to look like the wall is falling down.
Day 11: The bravery of Rahab (Joshua 2) is one of my daughter’s favorites.
To represent her, cut several craft sticks in half and hot glue them together side-by-side to form a wall. Cut a piece of aluminum foil in the shape of a window and glue it with a small piece of red ribbon behind it, just like the red cord Rahab hung from her window.
Day 12: Today’s reading focuses on Sampson (Judges 16).
To make the Jesse tree ornament for Sampson, cut a silver or gold pipe cleaner in half. Form a loop on the end of each pipe cleaner half and then twist the 2 halves together to make a pair of scissors. Hot glue a few strands of yarn to the scissors like Samson’s hair being cut.
Day 13: The ornament for today represents Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17) who wanted to marry an Israelite so she could worship God.
Her ornament is simple. Form 2 small rings with silver and gold pipe cleaners and join them together.
Day 14: Jesse was a shepherd who had many sons, the youngest was David who became king of Israel (Samuel 16:10-13).
To remind us of his humble beginnings, we chose a sheep for his ornament. Make your own sheep by cutting a black face from felt or construction paper and gluing it to a cotton ball. Add a couple wiggly eyes and a loop of yarn for hanging.
Making their own homemade Jesse tree ornaments is a fun and meaningful Christmas tradition the kids will love. And these ornaments are perfect for saving and pulling out again year after year as your children learn about these important Bible stories.
