The newest book that I have read recently is Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas by Stephen J. Nichols. With the holiday season soon approaching it seemed fitting to read a book with a Nativity theme. The writing is extremely creative and enjoyable. The book itself is a collection of small excerpts from writers, such as, Martin Luther, Augustine, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul.
The book begins with an introduction of the ideas, hopes, and wishes that many of us have during the Holiday Season. However, we are soon reminded that Christmas is just for a moment and that in just a few weeks January will begin and with it are left many of our unfulfilled expectations. The fact is the "peace" that so many search for is a peace that is only temporary and if we are to find a permanent peace, than as Stephen Nichols writes, "We must look to no other place than to a manger." (pg. 17)
The next part of the book brings us to the search of this permanent peace divided into three acts. The first act is the Promise. This chapter includes multiple excerpts from scripture that tell us of the Promised Redeemer. The second act is the Fulfillment. This chapter shows us in scripture how all the promises were fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The final act is the Reflection. This chapter causes us to meditate and consider on what this promised Savior means to the world. This Promised Redeemer who was the only child to be born King.
The rest of the book contains two historical ways of celebrating the Christmas season- the first included is The Nine Lessons & Carols and the second included is the classic tradition of Advent. The section on Advent contains readings and prayers for the four Sundays before Christmas to contemplate and remember the only One who can bring us permanent peace.
The final section of this book contains a section for the reader to write his own family traditions for celebrating and keeping Christmas. Overall, the book is filled with beautiful pictures, hymns, historical writings, and passages from scripture. It is extremely enjoyable to read and also to have the opportunity to record your own holiday traditions to then pass them along to future generations. I also think it could be used for the four weeks of Advent to read small portions daily and meditate on each of the three acts that were accomplished by the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
*I will be receiving a free hard copy of this book for writing a book review.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.