Book: The Longest Wait

Author: Alison Brewis

Age range: 3 - 7 years
Type: Christian /  Christmas / Bible Story / Advent

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What is this book about?

 

The Longest Wait helps children discover the story behind the waiting of Christmas. Through a gentle rhyming story, children explore how people throughout the Bible were waiting for God's promised Saviour, from Mary and Joseph to Simeon and Anna.

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It reminds children that Christmas is not just about waiting for presents, but about celebrating the arrival of Jesus — the promised King who came to rescue His people.

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Why we recommend it

 

This is a beautiful book for helping children understand the meaning of Advent and Christmas.

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Many young children understand the excitement of waiting, especially for Christmas morning, but this book helps redirect that excitement towards the greatest gift of all — Jesus. It introduces the idea that God's people waited many years for His promises to be fulfilled.

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The simple rhyming words make it enjoyable to read aloud, while the deeper message gives families opportunities to talk about God's faithfulness and the hope of Jesus.

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Main lessons & themes

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• Waiting with hope

• God's promises are always fulfilled

• Jesus is the promised Saviour

• God's faithfulness throughout history

• The true meaning of Christmas

• Trusting God's timing

• Joy in Jesus' arrival

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Faith Focus

 

This book is a wonderful introduction to the season of Advent.

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It helps children see that Christmas did not begin with the stable in Bethlehem — it was part of God's plan that had been promised throughout Scripture. The waiting of God's people points forward to Jesus, and today Christians continue to wait with hope for Christ's return.

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It provides a natural way to talk about why we prepare our hearts during Advent and why Jesus is the greatest gift.

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Bible connection:

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• Isaiah 9:6 — The promised child who would come

• Luke 2:25–38 — Simeon and Anna waiting for the Messiah

• Luke 2:10–11 — The good news of Jesus' birth

• Galatians 4:4–5 — God sent His Son at the right time

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Questions to ask your child

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• What were the people waiting for in the story?

• Why was Jesus worth waiting for?

• How do you feel when you have to wait for something exciting?

• What does this story teach us about God's promises?

• How can we prepare our hearts for Christmas?

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Ways to use it at home 

 

Simple ideas:

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• Read during Advent as part of your Christmas preparations

• Pair it with an Advent calendar or Jesse Tree activity

• Read the Christmas story from Luke 2 afterwards

• Talk about things we are waiting for and how God teaches us patience

• Create a simple “waiting for Jesus” countdown with prayers or acts of kindness

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