The Deliverer Has Come
Written by Sarah Shin
Illustrated by Shin Maeng
RANDOM HOUSE, 40 PAGES
The Deliverer Has Come, by Sarah Shin, invites young readers to step into the heart of the Advent season, where anticipation, hope, and the promise of God’s deliverance come alive. Readers might recognize Sarah Shin as the author of Beyond Colorblind, where she explored the intersections of race, faith, and justice. In her new collaboration with her husband, Shin Maeng, who provides captivating illustrations, Shin brings a fresh perspective to the story of Jesus’s birth that will resonate with both the young and the young at heart.
At the story’s core is Anika, a young girl living during the time of Jesus’s birth and a fictitious niece to the prophetess Anna from the Gospel of Luke. Anika loves stories and the stories her Great Auntie Anna shares about the Deliverer—the one God promised to send to save his people—fill her heart with wonder. As she listens to stories from shepherds, wise men, and her great-auntie, Anika begins to sense that the Deliverer may have already arrived. Her journey of anticipation mirrors the hopeful waiting of Advent, inviting children to reflect on the season in a personal way.
What makes The Deliverer Has Come stand out is its ability to weave together the joy of the Christmas story with deeper themes of faith and hope. Shin depicts Advent as not just about waiting but as an active and hopeful expectation. In a world where waiting often feels passive, the book redefines the act as a time for deep faith—actively trusting in God’s promise and anticipating the fulfillment of his Word. Through Anika’s eyes, children are invited to embrace the season with hope, knowing that God’s deliverance is real and sure.
Shin Maeng’s illustrations are vibrant, imaginatively bringing the nativity story to life in a way that is both engaging and accessible to children of all backgrounds. The diverse representations of the characters—from angels to wise men—ensure that every reader can see themselves in the story. Anika’s appearance, inspired by Shin and Maeng’s own daughter, adds a personal touch, making the story feel even more relatable.
One of the book’s strengths is how it encourages children to engage with the biblical narrative in a meaningful way. It’s not just about learning the facts of Jesus’s birth, but about discovering their own place in God’s ongoing story. Through Anika’s journey, children are reminded that they, too, are part of the waiting and the fulfillment of God’s promise of deliverance.
Targeted for children ages three to seven, this book is a perfect addition to any family’s bookshelf during the Advent season. With its captivating story and stunning illustrations, it will resonate with families and churches alike, making it a lasting addition to any holiday tradition.
