When we began compiling the devotional for the Jesse Tree, our desire was to create something that would make it easy for families to pick up and do together without any preparation. It was our hope to create a book that would help the hustle and bustle of the season to slow down each day, and give you and your family a chance to reflect and remember the joy of the birth of our Savior.
We prayed each story would help you see God’s plan for a Savior, and the need for one. At the heart, the gospel.
Here’s an exerpt from the devotional:
You can see our complete list of devotional stories HERE.
Here is how the devotional is set up:
- Verse of the Day
- Bible Reading for THE STORY (My husband and I found this to be our own study time with the Lord to prepare our hearts for Christmas, and we read THE STORY to our kids. When they get to be a little older, we plan on reading the story from the Bible. Of course, do whatever is best for your family!)
- THE STORY– This is the Biblical account written in narrative form for young children.
- Questions to check for understanding.
- Prayer to get you started. Feel free to pray your own prayer!
- Worship–songs, poems, videos or books to inspire praising Him.
- Extended Activity–Extra activities to do with children to help solidify what they learned. (All optional of course!)
The devotional is geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years old.
{This does not mean it cannot be used for older kids or toddlers.}
We suggest having older children read the Bible verses for their own personal quiet time or aloud to the family. Encourage them to tell you the story back in their own words, and what they learned from the story. How can they not only hear God’s word, but follow it?
For toddlers we suggest picking a simple truth from the Bible Story with a verse, and focusing on a 3-5 minute summary of the story. We have included in the title of each devotional the “bottom line” that is a simple phrase to reinforce a truth of the character of God.
We want to fill your home with the reason for the season and my friends at Tabletop Truths are helping me do just that. This week I will be giving away a set of their Christmas placemats!!
Tabletop TRUTHS is a collection of durable, colorful placemats designed to be used as a springboard to Biblical knowledge, spiritual growth and great family conversations. Each mat comes with thought-provoking questions, conversation starters and Scripture references to help you teach your children.
And they have graciously given me a whole Christmas set to giveaway!! That’s 6 placemats, a $45.00 value, and they are adorable!! You will find that each one of these placemats corresponds with a story from our Jesse Tree devotional and I love how colorful and inviting they are for young children. Please enter to win below and I will announce a winner on Friday!
Thanks for sharing the gift of God’s Word this Christmas season through the Jesse Tree and Tabletop Truths!
Stephanie W says
My favorite Christmas dish is fudge. Oh, glorious fudge.
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Oh fudge–yes, we just had a little piece at Bucee’s recently on our road trip! Peanut butter and chocolate for me…
Ellie Roque says
My favorite dish is tamales!!!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
I have a friend who eats these every Christmas Eve! Do you make them Ellie? I know they are so time consuming but so good!
Ellie Roque says
No, but my parents bring them up from the valley 🙂
My grandmother used to make them when we were little, those were my favorite! Every time I went to visit her, she always made sure to have some for me, no matter what time of year 😉
Katherine says
Christmas iced sugar cookies all the way!!!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Mmmm…my mom makes those too! A classic.
Kim Baker says
My favorite is my Mom’s dressing. So good!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Ooh–I love dressing!
angie says
Divinity!! Yummy
Jacki Rucksdashel says
I love divinity but my family has never taken on the task of making it–it seems so hard to me! We love receiving it though!
Sarah says
peppermint brownies!
marie says
Homemade Christmas cookies and candy…mmmmmm. Our table isn’t complete without cranberry relish or chutney. Granda wouldn’t eat if it wasn’t on the table 😉
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Marie–cranberries are my son’s favorite at the dinner table! Oh and can’t forget the M&M’s at our house either!
Kristen F says
My favorite holiday dish is my aunt’s famous mac & cheese! It is a recipe so full of yummy delicious calories that we only make it for the holidays, and I look forward to it all year long!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Oh Kristen–I can always eat mac and cheese!
Lauren Madeley says
So cute! Crossing my fingers for a “W”!!
Jae carpenter says
My fave is fresh cranberry/orange relish!!!! So yummy leftover too!!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
That sounds so good. You are the second to mention that–I have never had it before. I guess I need to try it now!