Last year we used this book, which was pretty good. The kids were engaged in the story of a grumpy woodcarver who talks to a little boy about each story as he carves it. I would say this is a way to do the Jesse Tree that is accessible to younger kids.
As far as the tree itself goes, we have been gathering ornaments for a few years, but some of them are really hard to find, and I haven't had the energy to devote to making ornaments. My sister is sewing beautiful ones out of felt, but I just don't have the artistic talent to design them nor the inclination to sew them.
But this year I discovered this printable from Ann Voskamp that I just love. So I subscribed to her blog (which I read pretty often anyway) so I could get access to it. I think I've finally discovered some paper Jesse Tree ornaments that I like.
I'd encourage you to find a way to do the Jesse Tree that works for you. It's a great way to keep the true meaning of Christmas in your mind and heart throughout the season. And if you haven't done it before, now is a great time to start making plans and finding ornaments--Christmas will be upon us before you know it!
Thanks, Nancy. I'll have to look at this. I love love love the effect the Jesse Tree readings have had on our family. We love advent, even though the Jesse Tree brings to mind the loss of our little Jessie Lucia. It all wraps it up into Jesus' big arms of love, arms that stretched out on the cross to receive all our sin, sickness, disease, and sadness in the world. Thanks again, Jesus for your life, and Nancy for your words of encouragement. MB
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