The Littlest Watchman by Scott James

Benjamin is a young boy who is a “watchman.” The watchmen take turns watching a stump for a shoot to grow off of it, taking literally the prophecy from Isaiah, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Benjamin grows tired of watching the stump with no change. Then, one night, Benjamin sees the shepherds nearby and bright lights in the sky. He can’t make out what they are saying, but as he looks back at the stump, there is a green shoot growing right from the center. Benjamin quickly runs to tell everyone that the king is here and as he does so, a shepherd invites him in to meet the newborn baby king.

This is a rather unique Christmas book, but one that is filled with Biblical truths. I also appreciate that the author points back to the fall and our desperate need for a Savior. If you read the parent notes, the thought behind this book is also to give us hope to keep watch well now for the promise that Christ will return. This is book is wonderfully crafted and I highly recommend it for your family!

Note: There is only one very small depiction of Jesus at the end of the book.

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1. How is Benjamin like Christians today?
2. Is Benjamin’s story in the Bible?
3. What truths can we still learn from Benjamin’s story?