A New Bible for Christmas
Merry Christmas, friends!
It’s “Peace Week” on the Advent calendar. How are you doing with keeping your Christmas simple and savoring—not stuffing—this season?
I’ve been so encouraged in conversations and across the wider Christian community to hear how many are feeling drawn to simplify, stay centered in Christ, and receive the gift of the Savior.
In keeping with these longings, I have a special Christmas reflection for you today—and a beautiful Advent quote to leave you with before you go.
A New Bible for Christmas
I was typing away at my computer when my son’s name appeared on my phone. Years ago, when my kids were little, I started a tradition: each Christmas (or sometimes on New Year’s Day), I would buy them a book of their choice. It became our little celebration of the gifts God had placed in each of them—and our family’s commitment to grow in those gifts each year.
Now that they’re adults, the tradition continues. I ask each of them for a short list of book titles, and I choose one to wrap and place around the table on Christmas morning. Recently, we added a fun twist: no gift tags. The books sit at random places, and each of us opens a book as we all try to guess which family member requested it. Somehow, we’re almost always right!
I hadn’t heard back from Drew yet, so when he called, I knew it must be book-list time.
After a bit of catching up, he said, “Mom, I haven’t been buying many books lately. I’m trying to use what I already have. But… I do have a request. I’m just not sure it qualifies.”
Classic Drew—always willing to stretch the rules of any family tradition or game.
“Sure,” I said. “What is it?”
“I want a new study Bible.”
Oh my goodness--a grown child asking for a study Bible? A parent’s dream come true.
He told me he had seen one at his brother’s house that intrigued him.
And instantly my mind started swirling: Maybe we should all get new study Bibles this year!
(Deep breath. Whoa, Nellie. Rein it in, Mom.)
But his request reminded me of something. A year ago, the book I bought for my husband ended up quietly becoming my new study Bible. (Is it a sin to steal your spouse’s Bible? I’m… still praying about that. Maybe a topic for a future newsletter.)
This Bible has blessed me immensely over the past year. And it made me wonder:
Living in America, where we are so blessed to have easy access to Scripture-- why not put a new study Bible on our Christmas list every year?
Each one offers a unique angle, commentary, features, teachings, and way of helping us see Jesus with fresh eyes.
Thinking about the book I might buy for myself (because I don’t plan traditions and then miss out on the fun just because I’m running it!), I just might be wrapping a new study Bible and placing it at the table for me this year.
Is there such a thing as Bible gluttony?
If so, I’m willing to be found “guilty.”
A Gift to Share: Journey with a Giant
Speaking of gifts… next to a new study Bible, I can’t think of a more meaningful Christmas present than giving a copy of Journey with a Giant to a few friends you’d love to walk alongside in 2026.
That’s exactly what Bonnie did!
When she told me she wanted to journey with a spiritual giant in 2026, a few friends immediately came to mind—so she picked up four copies of Journey with a Giant and wrapped them for the women she hopes to walk alongside next year.
I love that.
Because the only thing richer than journeying with a giant yourself…
is sharing that journey with others.
If a friend is coming to mind right now, maybe this is your nudge.
A Few Early Endorsements That Touched My Heart...
“Lori’s work doesn’t just teach; it guides, companions, and transforms. This is a pilgrimage for the soul.”
—Robert Prince, spiritual formation coach and writer, Recognizing the Divine
“Lori Melton offers us a beautifully crafted guide for growing in faith alongside a spiritual giant. She names the profound blessings we gain from examining their lives and the stumbling blocks that will invariably kick up within us when invited to more deeply embrace the Holy.”
—Rev. Laurie TenHave-Chapman, pastor, author of Walk with Me, and spiritual director
“At 74, I wondered if God could still use me and how to begin growing in a more servant-hearted way. Journey with a Giant helped me discern the right mentor from history—Mother Teresa—and gave me a clear, grace-filled path to follow. I’m excited to begin my journey in 2026 and highly recommend this book to anyone longing to grow but unsure where to start.”
—Bette M, Angel in Training
For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.