Mosaic Jesse Tree (Printable Coloring Edition)
The buyer will receive two digital files. These files may be printed for personal, homeschool, or classroom use. Please do not distribute this item to other individuals by any means: printed, electronic, or otherwise.
The Ornaments Packet of this Jesse Tree includes 25 black and white ornaments, one for each day from December 1st until Christmas and 25 labels for the back of the ornaments.
These ornaments are perfect for:
- coloring
- painting
- paperpiecing, to create ornaments imitating the original Mosaic Jesse Tree
- promoting fine motor skills
- use in conjunction with the original Mosaic Jesse Tree.
The Instructions Packet includes a brief reflection for each day of the Jesse Tree, as well as a set of general instructions for use. (Note: These reflections are NOT the same as the reflections in the original hard copy booklet for the printed version of the Mosaic Jesse Tree. There is an explanation the symbolism and imagery I chose for each ornament, and a simple kid-oriented prayer.)
Features:
Ornaments:
- pdf printable file (US letter size)
- each ornament is approx 3.5 inch in diameter
- designed to be printed on cardstock
- ornaments require assembly: color, cut out, hole punch, and attach ribbon
Booklet:
- pdf printable file (US letter size)
- includes instructions
- formatted for parent use with kids
- includes scripture, reflection, and prayers for each day
- features the corresponding ornament
- all reflections are written by Sara Estabrooks
- December 1 – 16 feature prominent figures in Jesus’ geneology
- December 17 – 23 feature the “O Antiphons”
- December 24 – 25 feature Christmas Eve and Christmas
Use hashtag #MosaicJesseTree to share photos on social media!
What is the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree is a favorite Advent tradition. Each day, we hang an ornament on the tree depicting a certain personage in Jesus’ genealogy.
Then, starting December 17, we peruse the O Antiphons: each celebrating a different name for Jesus. A different way He fulfills the prophesies of the Messiah from the Old Testament.
We finish off with Christmas Eve and Christmas. Days on which we celebrate the closeness of Jesus, the Light of the World, and the incredible joy of His Incarnation.
I hope you love this Mosaic Jesse Tree, and that it blesses your Advent as much as it blesses mine every year. May your heart overflow with the joy and excitement of the coming of Christ! Amen.
Creating the Mosaic Jesse Tree:
Every year, I feel the anticipation of swiftly moving through years of Old Testament history, ushering in the coming of the Messiah. But the years spent handcrafting these ornaments were anything but swift. Once my first child was born, the long afternoons dedicated to creating visual masterpieces were over. My project quickly lost momentum, and I wondered if I would ever complete it.
But every year, as Advent approached, I would feel my motivation renewed and my enthusiasm and determination to make progress on my Jesse Tree returned. So I’d pull out my cardstock and my modpodge, my rubber stamps and my India ink, and carve out a few minutes here and there to take baby steps towards completing my ornaments.
One year, disaster struck. In a flurry of post-Christmas cleanup, I stored my ornaments incorrectly. The summer heat rolled in and softened the glue on the completed faces. As Christmas drew near, I was horrified to open the box to discover the ornaments fused together. Hot tears rolled forth, and disappointment choked up my throat. I thought I had lost years of dedicated work. I cried out to Mother Mary and instantly felt a wave of calm and reassurance wash over me. I spent hours coaxing the pairs of ornaments apart, softening the glue over a steaming pot of water. By the end of the day tears were flowing again. This time, tears of relief and gratitude to Our Lady for restoring my ornaments to me with minimal damage.
Finally, five years after my first sketch, the end came into sight. My youngest was almost 2 years old. She played independently for short stretches, and for longer ones with her 3 year old sister. My oldest was 5, and had the patience and ability to help me. He ripped paper, cleaned stamps, and opened string cheese for his sisters. After 5 long years, I finished the project of my dreams. I’m not going to lie, a few more tears were shed. Tears of love for the beautiful turnout of years of patient work.
As excited as I am to display my completed Jesse Tree in my home every year, I’m even more excited to share it with you.
I spent an additional year photographing the ornaments and transforming them into print form, writing reflections, and creating the accompanying booklet. The Mosaic Jesse Tree is the product of 6 years of love and devotion, and I’m honored to be able to share it with you and your family.
