I’ve seen a few blog posts about having a Jesus Tree for Lent that is similar to the Jesse Tree of Advent. It uses a tree with bare branches, made out of twigs, felt, paper, or a wall decal like we have for Our Forever Tree.
You add an ornament each day that symbolizes a story from the Bible you wish to share. I decided to make some paper ornaments I (and others like you) could print out and cut to hang on our Jesus Tree. Each image has the Bible verses underneath, and you can laminate them to use year after year. I hope you enjoy these, as I spent way too much time making them. Hang up one each day (except Sundays) from Ash Wednesday until Easter.
Jesus Tree Ornaments – in color, child friendly.
I printed these and hung them on the tree all at once, so the kids can see the images longer. I will take one down each day when it’s time to read the scripture.
Jesus Tree Ornaments – black and white to color, good for older kids.
Alternate uses include flashcards or a Lenten Path as seen below.
Dining room table draped with white cloth. Cut Jesus Tree ornaments and staggered in a path around the table. Added colored popsicle sticks for crosses, one red cross near the images that are about The Passion of Jesus. Then covered it with clear vinyl (found at fabric store). This would also make a great idea for a table rosary, using pictures of the mysteries in the shape of a rosary!
I had this idea to add cutouts of the kids that I would move to each spot each day of Lent. Ended up cutting out all four kids, which looked too cute to separate! So they mark the beginning of the Lenten Journey, with other special stops along the way.
For a personal Lent countdown to Easter, I decided to print off one I found on Holy Family Classical Academy. I glue-sticked it on the front of a purple folder, one for each child. Inside I will add their Holy Heroes coloring sheets, word puzzles and other Lenten enrichments.
For some enrichment pages, here are some other images I found online and in my file folder.
*note: Especially since most of the artwork ISNT mine,
these are personal use only, do not use images for sale.
Here is what I found for other Jesus Trees…
The Jesus Tree by Domestic-Church.com
This webpage has a simple cross divided into 40 sections, and readings for each day.
I was very impressed with this crafty version presented by Shower of Roses blog. Her Jesus Tree (aka Scripture or Lenten Tree) is hand made from a felt kit. She has detailed info for each week, with close ups of her figures. It looks fabulous, as do others I’ve seen made through her inspiration.
The Easter Tree by Sandy on Domestic-Church.com
Uses a white potted branch with 12 ornaments. Each has a Bible passage.
From my mother's friend:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for thinking of our [homeschool] group. I just went to Melissa's blog page and was so impressed! You have a talented daughter whom you must be very proud. I will do the Jesus tree with the kids this Lent, and I'm sure it will help us with our Lenten journey.
Blessings to you and your family,
Mary
Wow...nicely done! Great printables!
ReplyDeleteI created my own version of the Jesus Tree, converting images into little stamps for a path of stepping stones...
maybe you could come and see!
Monica @ Equipping Catholic Families
Your Jesus Tree turned out great, Melissa. Thanks for sharing the printables. I've had a number of emails asking if I knew of a printable version, and I will send them your way.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a holy and fruitful Lent!
A quote from Shower of Roses recent blog post:
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have had a number of emails asking about printable versions of the Jesus Tree. It looks like this year Melissa at St. Brigid's Academy has come up with a lovely wall version with printable ornaments. I particularly like her Black & White Ornaments which can be colored! Another option would be the Stepping Stones through Jesus' Life that Monica at Equipping Catholic Families created for her family.
http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2011/03/jesus-tree-daily-readings-and-coloring.html
*Thanks for all the compliments and inspiration!!!
Thank you for sharing your Jesus Tree printables. I've used the black and white version and watercolored them for 2012. See pictures at http://auctusfides.blogspot.com/2012/02/lenten-plans.html
ReplyDeleteLiane
¡Gracias por compartir tan bellas actividades!
ReplyDeleteAre the printables in order? And please explain. Are you to do one a day "except" Sundays? From another mom in MN
ReplyDeleteYes, they are in order, left to right then down like when you read a book. But really, I don't think it matters if they are out of order. You could number them on the back when you cut them out. And yes, every day except Sundays. Thanks for asking!
DeleteI love the tablecloth idea! I have limited wall space but it is a great way to make a Lenten path. Thank you for sharing the idea!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
http://www.diary-of-a-sower.blogspot.com
Glad to hear someone doesn't think its too old fashioned to cover your table with plastic. I think it such a washload saving device and so versitile if you put just about any learning tool under it like flashcards or maps!
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