Advent giveaway - entry 8

This entry is from Ruth.  Her family use a Jesus tree over December.  Here's her explanation:

The Jesus Tree

The following involves colourful felt symbols which are used as conversation starters to explore the idea of who Jesus is.

In an ideal world one symbol could be discussed each day at the dinner table (we usually do it before dessert and dessert may then involve a special treat such as a lolly). However in the busyness of December we often find we are doing more than one a night and this works equally well.

We take it in turns as to who gets to choose and talk about a symbol – to ask everyone else if they can guess what it might mean about Jesus or to try to suggest it themselves. Then they can read the bible verse suggested on the tag and everyone can join in the discussion.

We have started with an empty “tree” and by Christmas Day we have hung up all of the symbols. In the past I have used a wooden cross tree in a pot but found it a pain to store so this year I am trying the idea of using a dead branch from the garden.

We tend to review the symbols again on Christmas Day.

One thing I like about this is that it has evolved with the different ages of my kids – we can read more and have more in depth conversations as they get older.


Idea about Jesus / Bible Verses / Symbol


Jesus is the Gate - John 10:7-11 - Gate


Jesus is the word - John 1 “In the beginning was the word...and the word was God..The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us..” - Bible


Jesus is the Way - John 14:1-6 - W


Jesus is the Truth - John 14:6 - T


Jesus is the Life - John 14:6 -L


Jesus is the King - Rev19:16 “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” -Crown


Jesus is the Good Shepherd - John 10:11-16 - Shepherd


Jesus is the Bread of Life - John 6:35 - Loaf of bread


Jesus is the Living Water - John 7:37-39 - Drop of water


Jesus is the Lamb of God - John 1:29 - Lamb


Jesus is the Victor - 1 Cor 15:54b-57 - King with sword


Jesus is the True Vine - John 15:1-9 - Vine with fruit bearing branches


Jesus is the light - John 8:12 - Light


Jesus is the Ransom for Many - John 20:28 - Money


Jesus is the son of David - Matt 20:30-31, Matt1:1 - King


Jesus is the stone - Luke20:17-19, Acts 4:10-12 - Stone


Jesus is a gift - John 3:16 - Present


Jesus’ blood was shed for me - Matt 26:27,28 - Drop of blood


Jesus heals - Matt 20:30-34, Mark 10:46-52 (helps people to see and also understand Him) - Eye


Jesus heals - Mark 2:1-12 (our bodies and our hearts) - Plaster boot


Jesus is wisdom and knowledge - “All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are to be found in Jesus” - Col 2:3 - Treasure chest


Jesus is God’s son - “God said this is my Son whom I love” Matt 3:17 - Dove


Jesus died for us - 1Peter3:18 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” - Cross


Jesus rose again - Matt 16:21, Matt 27:62-66 - Empty tomb


Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven - John 14:1-4 - House

Thanks Ruth!