My Top 5 Books For Christmas

With Christmas around the corner, Ryan suggested that I, too, should include some selected books for Christmas presents. I've tried to pick books from a vast array so that I may hit upon something that tickles your fancy. With that said, here goes:

1) The Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight. Intrigued by the Jewish context and practices that shape some of Jesus' interactions and stories? Then you'll love Scot McKnight who weaves these profound insights into his explanations of those stories. In this book, he writes about spiritual formation from Jesus' point of view because all spiritual formation ever written about is based on Jesus and what he taught. So Scot McKnight fleshes that out in a devotional format where he makes it short enough to read easily but long enough to give "aha!" moments. And now, I'm sunk because my secret source for some of these insights is out!

2) Great Short Works of Leo Tolstoy by Leo Tolstoy. I am still working my way through this profound work. Tolstoy has a way of shedding light on profound topics in sober ways. It is a collection of short stories that are short in the sense of about 150 pages where he explores death, lust, relationships, religion and other such topics. So whether you are deprived in great literature or a glutton for it, this is a great read.

3) From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life (1500-Present) by Jacques Barzun. For the history buff in your life, this is a New York Times bestseller and for good reason. But this isn't your typical trip through history. Barzun traces history through cultural shifts in "art and thought, manners, morals and religion, and the social setting in which these activities have been and are taking place." (Barzun's own word in his author's notes of the book). So some aspects of history are assumed in his writing, but it is still a worthy read, especially as a topic of discussion with a friend working through it concurrently. At least, that's how I made my way through it!

4) God Is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. If you've listened to a swatch of my preaching, you'll hear me say things like: "John Ortberg tells the story..." I am an admitted Ortberg guy. Why? Because he mentors me from afar as a teacher and preacher. Flat out, he's a great communicator, even with some of the most difficult concepts. This is just the latest one that I've read and again Ortberg is profound in pointing us how we might live with the understanding that God is with us, which, as Ortberg points out, is the most repeated promise in Scripture. There I go again!

5) Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions by Craig Blomberg. Ever felt completely guilty about money or what you own? Ever felt like money and material possessions were a black hole of uncertainty in your understanding of following Christ? Then this is the book for you! Written by a former professor of mine at Denver Seminary, Dr. Blomberg surveys the Bible from the Old Testament through the inter-testimental period and on through the New Testament to trove for how God would have us handle our money and material possessions. Without piling on the guilt nor excusing us from God's demands, Dr. Blomberg lays out the biblical case for money and its use in our lives so that we can wade out of uncertainty and intentionally practice God-honoring principles in how we use our money and possessions!

Any other suggestions? Any questions about the books?