“Ten Books for Christmas” has become an annual tradition. I read a lot and love to recommend books to others. Here are my favorite books for Christmas and the approaching new year. This list of my first five is in no particular order. With each book there is information provided by Amazon.com followed by, “Why I like this book.”

Jesus Always: Embracing Joy In His Presence by Sarah Young — Jesus Always was written as part of Sarah Young’s exploration of the promises of joy in scripture. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always invites you into a new way of living — a life of joy. Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect you with Jesus — the One who meets you where you are.

Why I like this book:  Every day, the readings guide our relationship with God. I confess this is the first book mentioned because it is my favorite. My wife, Mell, and I are using this book every day as part of our prayer and devotional time together.

Be You. Do Good.: Having the Guts to Pursue What Makes You Come Alive by Jonathan David Golden — Jonathan D. Golden, founder of Land of a Thousand Hills coffee company, has discovered and is living out his unique calling to promote social, spiritual and economic justice while providing a living wage to 2,500 farmers in Rwanda. Now he reveals to readers how to identify their calling, dispels the myths and misunderstandings we often have about what constitutes a calling and challenges them to pursue that calling with a courage that can surmount the many obstacles that may lie in their path.

Why I like this book: Jonathan Golden challenges us to think about the calling God has given each of us. It’s an amazing story filled with hope and miracles and told in a way that will have you seriously asking God: “Can I make a difference in the world?” And the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton — The Gospel of John includes some of the loftiest and most loved verses in all the Bible: “And the Word became flesh…,” “For God so loved the world…,” “You who are without sin cast the first stone…,” “I am the resurrection and the life…,” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that his readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.”

Why I like this book: Adam Hamilton writes to help us not just better understand the Gospel of John. He knows we will be transformed by the images and words of this amazing Gospel portraying the life of Jesus. 

Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here by Max Lucado — Max loves Christmas. The more Santas, the merrier. He loves it because somewhere someone will ask the Christmas question: What’s the big deal about the baby in the manger? And the answer he’s found gives us all hope. God knows what it’s like to be a human. Long after the guests have left and the carolers have gone home and the lights have come down, His promises endure.

Why I like this book: If you want to know why we celebrate Christmas, you will find excellent answers in Because of Bethlehem.

The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie Omartian — Being a grandparent is one of God’s greatest gifts. And loving your grandchildren is a privilege. The best way to love your grandchildren is to pray for them. Omartian offers powerful suggestions to help you.

Why I like this book: Full of practical and spiritual insight, The Power of a Praying Grandparent allows me to pray and think about my role as a grandfather to best help my children and my grandchildren.

Next week: Five more books to recommend.

Rev. Larry E. Davies can be reached at larrydavies@sowingseedsoffaith.com.