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.
Culture, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Suffering, Worship
Jesus wept (Jn. 11:35).
This is the shortest verse in the Bible.
It is profound as it applies to the heart of Our Lord, Jesus Christ; to those whom he came to save: You. Me. Us.
There is much pain and confusion in our world today. You don't need to look far to see it. Some of us have been brought to our knees in grief and in this moment cannot hardly see past it; the same can be said of those of us in the throes of financial woe; relational strife; physical affliction.
Hopelessness. Dread. Despair.
Recommendations, Christian Living, Culture, Relationships, Wisdom
When peace feels impossible: Christopher Cook says, “As such, when Paul says “do not be anxious,” he is not instructing believers to numb their emotions, detach from their circumstances, or pretend life doesn’t hurt. He’s inviting us to recalibrate the affections of our hearts. And that recalibration begins with a theological claim far deeper than a surface-level command. It begins with presence.”
When waiting draws us near: Bethany Broderick says, “Our world seems allergic to waiting. We pay hundreds of dollars for faster shipping
Church, Evangelism, Gratitude, Mission
“We won!” If you’re a sports fan, you might have bellowed those words when your favorite team emerged victorious from an epic showdown.
But of course, we know that we didn’t win at all. I sat on my couch and cheered for my Chiefs. But it was Andy Reid who drew up the play, Patrick Maholmes who threw the pass, and Travis Kelce who caught it.
They, not we, won.
Many of us have come to believe the opposite lie regarding the church. It’s easy to think they are doing the work of the gospel. In a celebrity culture, it’s easy to get sucked into thinking that pastors do ministry and preachers do gospel work.
Christian Living, Consumerism, Culture, Finance, Relationships, Wisdom
“Download this app!” I urged my family, “You’ll get $200 free to bet!” Five years ago sports betting became legal across most of the United States. From 2019 to 2023, sports betting downloads increased from 6 million to 33 million. In 2021 alone, the percentage of Americans who regularly bet on sports more than doubled jumping from 5% to 12%.
By 2024, the sports betting market reached an estimated size of $70 billion, generating $13.7 billion in revenue. Analysts predict the industry will continue its skyrocketing growth, projecting it to reach $187 billion by 2030.
Recommendations, Abortion, Culture, Nature, Sexuality
What to do in conflict: Benjamin Vrbicek says, “Rarely do interpersonal struggles get better until the people involved move up what I call the ‘Hierarchy of Communication Ladder.’”
Five ways AI is impacting the next generation: Shelly Melia reports, “According to Common Sense Media, half of teenagers use AI companions regularly, while almost 75% of teens have experimented with them. Another study found almost 1 in 5 students have used their back-and-forth conversations with AI to have a romantic relationship.”
