The Jesse Tree is a beloved family tradition for Advent. The hands-on, visual journey through the events of salvation history helps many families remember the waiting of God’s people for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

But is there more to it than just reviewing a story? Can this family tradition that usually focuses on children be fruitful for adults as well? And what is the meaning and significance of the Jesse Tree anyway?

In Rooted: Rediscover the Jesse Tree This Advent, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explores the stories and figures in God’s plan of salvation and shows their ongoing meaning for us today. The Jesse Tree is more than just a devotional practice aimed at children. In fact, it holds many lessons that can be applied to our adult lives as well. By learning to be rooted in the history of the Old Testament, we come to discover that this story is our story and its lessons, our lessons. The Jesse Tree is no ordinary tree—it is an extraordinary tree, and it bears extraordinary fruit.

To increase this fruitfulness for the reader, questions are provided to guide prayerful reflection and group discussion. Suggested resolutions help draw out everyday applications from each meditation. Tips for implementing or enhancing your Jesse Tree traditions at home are also provided. Taken altogether, this book is meant to help the reader embrace the truths of the Jesse Tree in a new way this Advent.

Author:

Scott Hefelfinger (PhD, University of Notre Dame) serves the Augustine Institute as Director of Content Development and Concurrent Associate Professor of Theology in the graduate school. He is the translator of A Gift of Presence: The Theology and Poetry of the Eucharist in Thomas Aquinas (Catholic University of America Press) and has contributed to various books and academic journals.

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