Books Make Great Gifts: A Christmas List of Favorites from 2020
This past year has had more than its share of surprises and challenges, but also unexpected reminders of God’s faithfulness and kindness. For Christians, one of those seemingly constant reminders is to be found in good books. The best books help us to clarify our thinking, to strengthen our confidence in the Lord and His promises, to facilitate our own development in our various vocations, or even just to expand our sense of wonder at the world God has made.
Perhaps that’s why we love giving books. They say something not only about us, but also speak of how we understand the interests of those we care about, those to whom we give a carefully selected gift. Here are just a few of my favorite books from this past year, in no particular order, but designated with specific readers in mind. They are far from unqualified endorsements. Christian readers should always read with discernment. But I do think each offers something valuable and worthwhile.
Best Overall
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Dane Ortlund)
Some books providentially arrive at a moment that is so clearly perfect that they ring all the more powerfully. Ortlund’s book is packed with wonderful life-giving truth, reminding Christians that the anchor of their hope and confidence is sure and steady, tethered to the infinite love and compassion of Jesus Christ for His own. If your heart needs reviving, if you feel yourself weary, you will find the invitation to meditate on the heart of Christ to be a healing balm. This will be a book you likely read more than once, coming back to it for renewed encouragement.
For Someone in Christian Ministry
Deep Discipleship: How the Church Can Make Whole Disciples of Jesus (J.T. English)
This is one of the clearest and most compelling calls I’ve read in a long time, summoning pastors and church leaders back to a vision for discipleship located within the local church. Theological in its framework, but absolutely practical in its reflection and application, this book will be of immediate help for those weary of the latest fad and longing to find more enduring ways to make disciples.
For the Biography Reader
The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III (Peter Baker and Susan Glasser)
I’ll admit I am a sucker for political biographies. But this is one unlike most. What becomes clear with the unfolding of Jim Baker’s story is that his life was one of significance for the broader American story. The book is honest about Baker’s extraordinary abilities, as well as his faults. Readers will learn not only about Baker’s own life, but the seismic shifts in American politics that he helped usher in. Furthermore, the book is full of lessons for anyone in leadership, with opportunity to learn from Baker’s catalog of successes, as well as his mistakes.
For the Aspiring Theologian
The Trinity: An Introduction (Scott R. Swain)
It is rare to find a book that is as helpful, clear, and edifying while also engaging with some of the most complex theological issues at stake. That’s exactly what Swain accomplishes in this wonderful little trinitarian primer. This is a book that will be useful to any Christian, not only in understanding better how the Triune God has revealed himself to us, but in then turning our hearts toward him in worship.
For the Student of Baptist History
Oliver Hart & the Rise of Baptist America (Eric C. Smith)
Why should you read a book about a now obscure Baptist minister? Because this book is about far more than Oliver Hart, even though he was a massively significant figure in his time. Smith has written what is one of the most consequential works of Baptist history in the past decade, telling the story of how a small dissenting sect exploded to a place of dominance in 19th century American religion. The scholarly research behind the book is significant, but Smith’s prose is never laborious. He’s a masterful storyteller, resulting in a book that is a delight to read.
For the Christian Professional
Designing Your Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness at Work (Bill Burnett & Dave Evans)
Most people will, at some point, feel like they are spinning their wheels in their work and career. When that happens, Christians have to remind themselves of biblical truth about who they are and why their work matters to God. While not a Christian book, this is an extremely helpful resource, giving practical advice for how to forge a new trail in work, finding ways to make it more meaningful and satisfying. Don’t underestimate how much that means.
For the Christian Woman
Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests (Melissa B. Kruger)
This recommendation comes directly from Jeannie, whose judgment I consider to be particularly superb. An excellent resource for intentional discipleship, Kruger has written a book that is wide-ranging in its engagement with different aspects of the Christian life (e.g. church involvement, temptation, evangelism, prayer life, friendship), offering practical suggestions for how to pursue discipleship together in gospel-rooted accountability. Whether you read it alone as a primer on the Christian life, or with someone else, the book is full of encouragement for Christian women.
By the way, every one of the books on this list will be enjoyed by women. But this just happens to be a book intentionally written for women!
For the Cultural Observer
Released in the early weeks of 2020, Levin’s thesis seems to have been only further confirmed by year’s end. If Americans are going to renew and strengthen our common civic bonds, it will require a commitment to strengthened institutions. Levin’s project is thoughtful and hopeful, while also realistic about the challenges before us.
For the American History Student
The Year of Peril: America in 1942 (Tracy Campbell)
Historian Tracy Campbell has accomplished a rare feat with this book, telling the story of an entire year in American life in a remarkably cohesive narrative that is a joy to read. It’s as though the story is embedded with scores of smaller stories, each helping the reader understand how significant a single year can be in shaping a nation’s history. Reading it one cannot help but wonder if a future generation of scholars will do something similar in telling the story of 2020.
