Book Review - Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

Peace is something the world longs for. This Christmas gift book by Stephen J. Nichols helps readers to learn about and reflect on the true peace that is found only in Christ. That peace is described as a permanent, not temporary, peace. It does not come in material things like Christmas gifts or decorations. The true peace on earth we all desire and celebrate at Christmas came in the ordinary, unglamorous manger. God's gift of peace is like none other.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).

This book takes readers on a Christmas journey from Genesis to Revelation, looking back at God's promise that pointed to the coming Messiah and exploring the fulfillment of that promise in Jesus the Savior, through whom we can have peace with God.

Throughout the book, in an easy-to-read format, there are readings, Scriptures, song lyrics, quotations, writings, and artwork. The book concludes with readings for each week of Advent, as well as several pages to record the reader's own family Christmas traditions.

This would make a nice book to give as a gift and to read during the Advent season to help keep your mind and heart on Christ, the Prince of Peace, as you go about your Christmas celebrations.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

Book Review – The Priest with Dirty Clothes

The Priest with Dirty Clothes was written by R.C. Sproul and illustrated by Justin Gerard. This book presents the truth of Christ's redeeming and atoning work through an interesting story.

Before coming across this book, I myself was not familiar with the account in Zechariah 3 on which this story is based. However, it is a great picture of our status before and after we are in Christ.

This picture book begins with the tale of two young children whose clothes become dirty while playing in the mud. Their grandfather begins to tell them the story of a new priest who is to preach a sermon before the king. As he is making his way to the castle, the priest's clothes become dirty, muddy and stained. He is not able to stand before the king wearing these filthy garments. Later, the prince presents the priest with his own clean clothes in exchange for the priest's filthy clothes.

In the story, the king represents God the Father, the prince represents Jesus, and the priest represents a Christian. The allegory presents weighty truths such as salvation by grace, justification through faith, and the believer's righteous standing before God. The priest in the story learns that there is nothing he could do to earn new clothes, and he is told that he must continue trusting in the prince's goodness as he continues to wear his clean garments.

The book includes a section for parents that helps to explain the meaning of the story and who or what each character represents. This is an important section to review as it helps readers to better understand the concepts presented through the story. Children may not fully understand the concepts; however, reading through the story more than once may be a good idea.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

Read the biblical story of Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3:1-5.

Book Review – The Donkey Who Carried a King

The Donkey Who Carried a King was written by R.C. Sproul and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. This picture book presents young readers with an interesting look at the events surrounding Jesus' death. 

The book begins with the story of Reilly, a young boy who feels dejected because he is continually the last one picked when playing games with the other boys. His grandpa tells him the story of Davey, a donkey who lived long ago. Davey was never given any jobs to do, until one day some men came looking for him. Davey ends up carrying Jesus into Jerusalem as people put their coats down, wave palm branches, and shout praises to the King. 

Davey feels special that he was given such an important job; however, after this experience, he feels too important to do menial tasks. However, after their elders help them realize that Jesus was willing to carry the cross, Davey and Reilly decide that they should do whatever task God gives them to do, whether big and glorious or small and seemingly insignificant. This is an important truth for all Christians to grasp. 

Children will connect with the feelings and experiences of eight-year-old Reilly, and they will also enjoy hearing the biblical story from an animal's viewpoint.

I liked the subtle historical details that were woven into the story such as the reference to famous donkeys in history, including Balaam’s donkey. I believe that the illustrations were culturally accurate, from the appearance and clothing of the people, to the wall around the city and writing inscribed above the doors of the houses. The illustrations throughout the story and on the cover and end pages used earth-tone colors, which seemed appropriate for the story. The font size of the words on some pages varied, larger at the top of the page and smaller at the bottom, which I did not feel was necessary, but it did not take away from the overall story.

At the end of the book, there is a section for parents featuring questions and answers for discussion, along with Bible passages and application points. This section helps to further explain the meaning of the events in the story. This would be a good book to read on Palm Sunday as Holy Week begins to help children learn what happened during these events. The book goes beyond the Triumphal Entry to talk about Jesus' journey to the cross, helping children to better understand the reason Jesus had to die.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

What is God calling you to do? Mark 8:34; John 13:14-15; Colossians 3:17, 23

Book Review - Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23 was written by Susan Hunt and illustrated by Cory Godbey. This outstanding book takes young readers on a fun and faith-filled journey through the twenty-third Psalm.

This book walks through Psalm 23 phrase by phrase in an enjoyable story, helping children to better understand this familiar psalm. The title of each chapter of the book includes one phrase taken from Psalm 23 and goes on to expound on that phrase through the story of Sammy the sheep and his experiences. 

Sammy is a joyful sheep who is happy to be under the care of a good shepherd. He encounters a sad and dejected sheep living on the other side of the fence. This sheep, which does not even have a name, belongs to a bad shepherd, and her needs are not being met. Sammy befriends this sheep, and Sammy’s good shepherd later purchases her. She is given a new name, Precious, and becomes part of the flock. As they journey together, Sammy patiently helps Precious understand what it means to live as part of this flock.

The story is a wonderful parable of the Christian life, living as part of the flock under Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Although this book is intended for children, even adults can learn valuable lessons from the simple truths of the faith that are presented. At the end of each chapter, readers are pointed to a "Talk About It" section located at the end of the book. These questions and thoughts are important to help young readers connect the story of Sammy and Precious with the real-life idea of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. One thing I might change about this book is the consistency of these sections in regards to the type and number of questions and activities. The "Talk About It" section for some chapters contained several questions, Bible verses, and thoughts, while others contained only a few. Some sections featured questions requiring higher levels of thinking, while others included mostly simpler comprehension and review questions.

The illustrations in this book were very well done. The excellent use of light and color in the illustrations helps to capture the mood throughout the story. Dark hues are used to show the depression, misery or hardship experienced in the story, while lighter colors are used to illustrate the hope radiating on the better side of the fence. The newfound joy and peace of Precious are evident throughout the pictures, as her ears appear to perk up little by little throughout the book.

Many children are encouraged to memorize Psalm 23, and this book would be a good resource in helping children to comprehend the meaning of the words they are learning. This book will help readers to understand some of the background information relating to sheep and shepherds that formed the basis for such biblical passages. Many children love animals, so this book will connect with children and help to illuminate biblical truths.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

"The Lord is my Shepherd...."
Click here to read the rest of Psalm 23.