Few gifts are more meaningful than a thoughtfully chosen book. It’s a gift that can offer hope, wisdom, and even fun. As you consider your Christmas gift, here are a few books you might want to consider for loved ones.
Counseling, Identity, Relationships
Our counselor sat behind his oak desk, a wide smile peeking out from under his white mustache. “Where do I know him from?” I asked myself. His gentle eyes reassured me. Angel and I slid into the love seat facing him. It was my first counseling session. Angel’s, too. We were here for pre-marital counseling.
My anxiety grew as I placed where I knew him from. I had taken his daughter to winter formal a few years back. My heart rate rose a bit. Any chance of genuine transparency went out the window with that connection.
Christian Living, Evangelism, Identity, Leadership
As a young man, I dreamed of being called to lead a revival for God. I was inspired by my pastor, who had led a church that had multiplied from a medium-sized congregation to a congregation of over 6,000. I read stories of heroes of the faith who had led revivals: Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, DL Moody, and Billy Graham.
I prayed God would use me to lead. I dreamed of preaching to crowds and seeing many come to faith. I had the opportunity to lead Bible studies on my high school campus and was excited to try to figure out how to lead others in studying the Bible.
Recommendations
8 experiences people don’t have anymore because of cell phones: Eden Gordon begins her list, “Boredom used to be a defining aspect of daily life. Whether you were waiting in a doctor’s office, standing in a checkout line, or simply spacing out, there was a lot more time spent simply doing nothing before there were phones waiting and ready to fill every spare moment.”
For now, for today: Andrea Sanborn asks, “What was different about Jesus’s prayer? The words were familiar, but on his lips, they lingered. Tasted sweet.”
Biblical Studies, Death, Fear, Hell
I really dislike horror movies. I’ve only seen a handful in my life, and I’ve never enjoyed the experience. But the American public gobbles them up. I remember a time when horror movies only came out around Halloween; now it seems there isn’t a time of year when at least one horror movie isn't playing in theaters.
Experts have researched what the draw of horror movies is. They call the experience “recreational fear”: the ability to navigate fear in a safe environment. The audience experiences an adrenaline rush of danger, and then the sweet relief of escape. Horror movies can provide an emotional release for anxiety, stress, or grief.
Biblical Studies, Church, Wisdom
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses seven first-century churches, commending what is faithful, confronting what is sinful, and calling each church to hear what the Spirit says. Each message closes with a promise “to the one who conquers,” that is, to the one who perseveres in faithful allegiance to Christ.
Pergamum, a church struggling with the enticement of the flesh, receives one of the most intriguing promises. In this stronghold of Satan, they still “hold fast” to Jesus’ name, but they are being lured by the doctrine of cheap grace: trust in Jesus and do as you please!
