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.

Review: His Kids United Christmas Vol. 1

The “His Kids United Christmas” album contains 12 Christmas songs featuring the voices of children. I consider this CD a blend of traditional and contemporary music. The CD includes some traditional Christmas carols with traditional sounds that will bring back memories of Christmases past, as well as some new songs with lyrics about today’s Christmas traditions, all while still pointing to the same ancient true meaning of Christmas – the Savior born in Bethlehem. While some songs are slower paced, many of the songs have a nice upbeat sound that makes you want to move, dance, and tap along to the music. After the tracks were finished playing, I wanted to turn the CD on again to listen to it some more. The lyrics are powerful and will inspire listeners to let their light shine and share the true light and love we celebrate at Christmas.

Click here for a free download of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” 

Disclosure: I received a free digital download of this album as part of the His Kids United Christmas Vol. 1 blog tour with Cross Focused Reviews.