The One We're Waiting For: An Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

by Taylor Combs, Aedan Peterson (illustrator), Natalie Peterson (illustrator)

Create meaningful Advent memories with the whole family using this gorgeous illustrated 25-day devotional.

The whole Bible whispers about a coming King. Every book before His arrival gives hints about what He might be like, and during Advent, families around the world gather to wait and prepare for the celebration of His birth. The One We're Waiting For is a 25-day family experience that will help kids from one to ninety-two anticipate and celebrate Christmas. This book includes Daily Bible stories, taking families through the arc of the Old Testament Gorgeous illustrations by Aedan and Natalie Peterson Suggested songs for family worship Reflection questions to start meaningful conversations And cut-out ornaments to decorate your tree every day leading up to Christmas
​Each day, families can read a story, discuss how they see Jesus in Old Testament narratives, sing songs together, and place an illustrated ornament on the tree so that every day of December leading up to Christmas is filled with eager anticipation for the King––the one we waited for.

180 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s it about? This is a 25 day advent devotional. However, unlike most advent book it starts in Genesis 1 with the creation of the world and the story of Adam and Eve. The majority of the days are spent in key old testament stories, with only three days are devoted to the new testament; (the angels’ promise of John the Baptist and Jesus and Jesus’ birth). Each story is condensed yet faithfully retold. Throughout each story, the thread of ‘is this the one we are waiting for?’ is woven and ultimately answers no but also how show how they were pointing forward to the one, Jesus! Each day ends with a song suggestion and 3 questions that help children to put themselves into the story and understand the true meaning.

Who’s it for? It is aimed at ages 4-11 and seems appropriate from my reading.

Why I love it? It is refreshing to have an advent devotional that goes back to the very beginning and shows how throughout old testament events the anticipation and need for Jesus was building. Children can also experience something of this anticipation and longing for Jesus’ coming as we see time and time again how old testament figures both fell short yet also mirrored something of the one we were waiting for. I enjoy the fact question ask both how they would fell in the situation, making it more relatable, yet also ensure they understand the true meaning. The song also gives an opportunity to articulate their praise to God. This is a child friendly, biblical grounded resource that I recommend.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, this book of short devotionals for the young family is not just a compilation of "Christmas" stories about the birth of Christ. The stories point to "the One we're waiting for." They start at the beginning with Adam and Eve and move through the Old Testament with the call of Abraham, Joseph's coat of many colors, the giving of the Law, etc. And it all points to Christ.

Short discussion questions to guide family discussion are at the end of each story and a suggested song to sing.

At the back of the book are pages with illustrations printed in circles that may be cut out and glued on wooden or acrylic discs to make ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree. (Note: Care will need to be taken to remove pages with these on them.)

This is a beautifully bound book with illustrations that are modern yet classic. The book will last for years and be a blessing to pass down through the family.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Lauren Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing. Incredible illustrations. Engaging questions. This book is going to be SUCH a fun and theologically rich family experience for Advent.