- December 20, 2017
- Books
Christmas is a wonderful time of gift-giving that we look forward to each year...once we have bought or made all of the presents for which we’re personally responsible. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or you just received a gift card to your local Christian bookstore, we’ve got you covered. There were a lot of new Christian books released in the Christian community this year, from romantic fiction to autobiographies and memoirs. If there’s a reader on your Christmas list, we’ve got the new Christian books you’ll want to give them. Check out some of the great reads below and see if there’s an exciting addition you need to make to your bookshelf.
“Between Heaven and the Real World” - Steven Curtis Chapman
Christmas is as good a time as any to find out more about your favorite Christian musicians. Although listeners have heard plenty of popular songs from Steven Curtis Chapman over the years, he’s never shared his full story until now. “Between Heaven and the Real World” is over 400 pages of the singer/songwriter’s personal history and features plenty of stories about life on the road and family memories. If the person on your list has enjoyed Chapman’s three decades in Christian music, they’re going to love this book.
“You Are Free” - Rebekah Lyons
The holidays can be stressful for anyone. There are so many activities to attend, meals to prepare for, and shopping lists to finish. While Christmas isn’t the focus of Rebekah Lyons’ book, it does have a lot to say about overcoming stress and trusting in the worth God has placed on our lives. We can sometimes lose ourselves in “keeping up with the Joneses” around Christmas time. More than one tear has been shed concerning the preparation of a meal or not doing things “the way Mom would have done it.” Instead of allowing others to determine our worth, Lyons’ book invites us to find what God has to say about the issue. This is a powerful gift for those who need to take a breath this holiday season.
“This Life I Live” - Rory Feek
Autobiographies like Steven Curtis Chapman’s or this one by Rory Feek are a nice way to learn more about the people whose stories have helped shape us over the years. The world has heard a lot about the Feek family over the last few years during Joey Feek’s struggle with cancer. The book covers Rory’s life, what he’s learned over the years and how the loss of Joey has affected him. Although there is plenty of tragedy surrounding the book, readers can also find hope and assurance.
“Anxious for Nothing” - Max Lucado
Like we discussed with the Rebekah Lyons book earlier, the winter can take a toll on us all. You have a lot to accomplish around Christmas and all of your regular problems aren’t exactly taking the season off. This is one of the best new Christian books because Max Lucado takes a good, honest look at why we experience anxiety and prescribes a scriptural treatment for your woes. Giving someone “Anxious for Nothing” this Christmas isn’t to say “Wow, you need a lot of help!” but rather gifting a friend with practical advice for taking things easy and trusting God.
“The Hideaway” - Lauren K. Denton
Believe it or not there are actually millions of readers out there who enjoy new Christian books that don’t deal with church leadership and history. You can find a lot of great Christian fiction at your local bookstore. This novel from Lauren K. Denton is one of 2017’s best. If your friend or family member enjoys romance novels, “The Hideaway” could be a great idea for a stocking stuffer.
“Single, Dating, Engaged, Married” - Ben Stuart
Here’s a book that is full of insightful wisdom for everyone, but you might want to be careful about where you’re sending it. Relationship books can be very helpful, but receiving one from someone you’re not particularly close with can be seen as an intrusion of privacy. That being said, Ben Stuart’s book is all about relationships: what we should know going in, how they change us, and what their purpose should be. No matter where you are in life, there’s something to learn.
“Martin Luther” - Eric Metaxas
For the Christian historian on your list (or just someone who enjoys knowing more about famous figures), this biography of Martin Luther could be one of the best new Christian books to buy. We all know about Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses, but there is so much more to his story than that one act. Invite your friends to learn more about this well-known reformer or maybe try out the author’s other biographies on WIlliam Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
“Laugh It Up!” - Candace Payne - New Christian Books for Christmas
Perhaps the person on your list isn’t looking for new Christian books that are quite so academic. Candace Payne’s book is a memoir all about enjoying the little things with which God blesses our lives. If you haven’t heard of the author before, you may remember her as “Chewbacca Mom.” Payne was plucked from obscurity when a video of her laughing with a Star Wars mask went viral in May 2016. The book is a fun read that offers encouragement and the opportunity to let out a few hearty laughs.
“How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge” - Clay Scroggins
When people who are not pastors, presidents. or CEOs look at new Christian books on business and leadership, they might not think the principles apply to their lives. The truth is that we can all be leaders in different ways, be it through our families, churches, or communities. This is a great book for someone who is looking to be more influential with his life and to figure out his place in the world.
“Dance, Stand, Run” - Jess Connolly
We’ve all experienced a time in our lives when the rules and regulations associated with the Christian faith have felt binding. Not that we wanted to run headfirst into sin, but we gladly beat ourselves up over not being good enough. The whole point of Christianity is that we are made pure by Christ’s sacrifice, not our own works. “Dance, Stand, Run” is about claiming your identity through the Lord and enjoying the freedom that brings. It’s a good read for anyone who needs a breath of fresh air in his/her faith.
“Capital Gaines” - Chip Gaines
Chip and Joanna Gaines released one of the most popular Christian books of 2016 with “The Magnolia Story.” Now the story continues with Chip sharing more of his personal adventure in business. This is one of the best new Christian books for people who love “Fixer Upper” or have been an entrepreneur before. You can laugh at the stories and take away some quality common sense wisdom from Chip Gaines’ past successes and failures.
“The Forgotten Jesus” - Robby Gallaty
For the person on your Christmas list who loves theology and thinking outside the box, consider this book from Robby Gallaty. We all know that there are more books about the life of Jesus than just about anything else, but Gallaty’s book is a fresh gust of air. Looking at the gospels through a lens of historical accuracy and Judaic tradition, we can learn much about Jesus’ life and the meaning behind many of His encounters.
“Holy Roar” - Chris Tomlin & Darren Whitehead
“Holy Roar” is a nice stocking stuffer for several reasons, one of which is that it’s less than 100 pages. Instead of giving someone the entire Encyclopedia Britannica this Christmas, a nice afternoon read might be just the ticket. As far as the content of the book, it’s a wonderful reminder of what worship looks like, not just today but throughout history. For anyone who has ever felt burnt out when it comes to praising the Lord, this might renew that fire.
When readers are on your Christmas list, it’s never a bad idea to look at new Christian books for possible gift options. Just from this list we have almost every kind of book to read. Since we know how profitable it can be learn through Christian books, it’s even a nice idea for those who don’t normally read. No matter what gifts you intend to buy this year, you’re more than likely to enjoy Christian music and films to celebrate this blessed holiday. We at the K-LOVE Fan Awards know just how important Christian entertainment can be. That’s why we gather together the biggest musicians, filmmakers, and more for the ultimate fan experience. Find out how you can join in on the fun by clicking on the banner below.