The six Sundays are not counted among the forty days of Lent because each Sunday represents a “mini-Easter” – a celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

“Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.”
— ISAIAH 11:1 (NASB)

The ‘Jesse Tree‘ represents the family tree, or genealogy of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of God’s salvation plan, beginning with creation and continuing through the Old Testament, to the coming of the Messiah. The name comes from Isaiah 11:1 and many retell this story during Advent.  With this tradition in mind, here is a way to reinvent the Jesse Tree for Easter.  Its called the “Jesus Tree.”

Family Craft – The Jesus Tree

In celebration of His sacrificial death on the tree, and the new life found only in Christ, you may choose to make a “Jesus Tree” as a symbolic way to mark the days leading up to Easter.

1. Gather branches (like dogwood, pussy willows or forsythia) in a container (like a vase or pitcher)

2. Hang decorative eggs from the branches as a symbol of new life in Christ. Because of His sacrificial death on the tree, we can have new life in Him. Or you can cut out fruit-shaped cards and write the names of people whom you are praying will receive His gift of grace.

3. Use the Jesus Tree as a natural opportunity to share with others about our only hope – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – when they visit your home throughout the Easter season.