I love giving and receiving books for Christmas. So, in this post, I want to make a few recommendations for you as you plan for the holidays. Here are my top ten books for your 2020 Christmas List:

10) If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering by Randy Alcorn – 2020 has been a tough year, but God’s Word does not leave us without an answer and true perspective regarding our suffering. Alcorn is a masterful writer, applying God’s Word to our sorrow and struggle with grace and conviction. This is a must-read for all Christians struggling with how to live in difficult times.

9) Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves – If you or someone you know is interested in an accessible introduction to Christian theology, then this is the book for you. Reeves is engaging and clear as he explains the most foundational elements of the Christian faith in this wonderful book.

8) Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop – In difficult times, we need a vocabulary that is grounded in God’s Word yet also true to our emotions. This book explores the role that lament should play in the life of believers from a biblical perspective. If you have ever struggled to express your pain and sorrow to God, I highly recommend this tremendous book.

7) The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller – There is more to marriage than meets the eye. Tim and Kathy Keller explore the mystery of marriage from God’s Word. I highly recommend this book for those who not only want to see their marriage improve, but also those who want to understand God’s intention in marriage.

6) Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles that Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp – As a rule, I tried to read everything that Paul David Tripp writes, and this book is no exception. Parents need the gospel not only for the work of parentings but for their own souls as well. You will find guidance and grace in this wonderful resource.

5) Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Edward T. Welch – When I first encountered this book, it felt like the author was reading my mind. I struggled with fear and worry, but God used this book in deep ways to shape my perspective about life in light of His sovereignty and goodness. This is a wonderful book for all Christians.

4) Grasping God’s Word by J. Daniel Hays and J. Scott Duvall – Learning how to rightly handle and interpret God’s Word is imperative for growing in Christian maturity. I have not only taught through this book numerous times but it is always a staple resource in all of my personal discipleship relationships. Anyone that wants to grow in the Word should pick this book up.

3) Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson – Buy it, read it, apply it, and watch how your relationships change. Without a doubt, this is one of the most important books I have ever read in my entire life.

2) Reset by David Murray and Refresh by Shona Murray – These two books all but saved my life and my wife’s life a few years ago when we were burning the candle at both ends. We were exhausted. These two wonderful books gave us the guidance that we needed to reprioritize our lives and find rest in Christ. If you are struggling, don’t wait till Christmas to read them.

1) Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund – This is truly one of the best books that I have ever read. It is like water for a parched soul. Ortlund constantly introduces the weary soul to the rest of Christ. Buy a copy for yourself and then buy 5 more to give away to others.

I hope this list has been helpful for you. Please read it and share it with others as you make plans for Christmas. I am confident that every book on this list will be a blessing to you.

CBH