Dear Cornerstone Family,
Though it’s harder and harder to find the time, one of the things I enjoy most about Advent is seasonal reading. Over the years, I’ve collected quite a few volumes. Almost two full shelves in my library are devoted to yuletide reflecting. Some of the works are classic; some are new. Some are fiction; others are non-fiction. Many of them I return to almost every year; often not to read in their entirety, but to dip into, sample, reflect on, and then carry with me throughout the season.
Watch for Light is a book I crack open every year at some point. It is a collection of Advent and Christmas stories, prayers, and devotionals from writers throughout history and from across a wide spectrum of the Christian tradition. I will foray into this work several times throughout the season always with great benefit.
I love Incarnation, a beautifully illumined work that combines poetry, prayer, and theological reflection on the mystery of God becoming man, by Alistair McGrath. The presentation of truth with artistry make this work an enduring contribution worthy of regular revisitation.
One work I picked up this year and thoroughly enjoyed was Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. It’s a poetic retelling of the story of St. Nicholas. The book brings together fact and myth with beauty and grace, connecting the ministry of St. Nicholas with the legend of Santa Claus. Bustard is a remarkable artist and he’s done a marvelous job not only retelling the story but illustrating it. It is a children’s book, but don't let that scare you away. Children of all ages will enjoy it.
For devotional purposes, I’m reading Sinclair Ferguson’s new work, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace. What wonderfully rich fare it is—full of interesting insights from Matthew’s retelling of the birth of Christ. Those of us who have read Ferguson over the years have come to appreciate his interpretive perceptiveness. He’s always drawing out profound connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament, emphasizing the fulfillment that comes in Jesus Christ. For instance, in speaking of Christ’s birth, I read this morning, “Matthew’s point is that this unique event [Jesus’s birth] is nothing less than a new creation. The words ‘genealogy’ (in Matthew 1:1) and ‘birth’ in (Matthew 1:18) both translate the same Greek word–genesis. God was beginning again in Jesus Christ.” What a beautiful insight!
Speaking of books, stop by The Bookshelf this morning. You can snag The Dawn of Redeeming Grace for only $10 or the wonderful recent collection of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas writings called God is in the Manger. It’s only $7! You won’t find better prices anywhere.
In addition to seasonal titles, you will find a host of other books dealing with a wide variety of practical Christian living topics. Who knows, you might something for the important people on your holiday shopping list... There’s nothing like the gift of good reading!
Grace & Peace,
