5 Books That Could Be Perfect Under the Christmas Tree

Don’t  you just love to read?  There is just something about books that is intoxicating to me – a cracked spine, the feel of a book in your hands, and mostly losing myself in a great story.  Thinking about characters long after I’ve set a book aside or pondering a deep thought from an author like Henri Nouwen or Cori Ten Boom.  I love books – I always have.

In fact, my mom loves to tell the story about finding me in the mornings as a toddler curled up with a book in my hands, and how the best way to bring discipline in my little life was to ground me from my books – even for just a day.  She actually just did that once or twice because I was so very distraught.  Needless to say, my love affair with reading is long and I intend for it to continue for much longer.

I had a friend email me yesterday asking for book ideas to give away as Christmas gifts this year, so I thought I’d share a few of the recommendations that I sent her way.  You may be good and already have your Christmas shopping done, but if you are like me you still have a very long way to go – so perhaps these might be the perfect gift for someone on your list.

Perfect for the Busy Mom or Woman Who Needs to be Reminded of How Much You Love Her:

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – this was my favorite read this past year because it was not only beautifully written but it made me reevaluate some things in my life.  I started looking through new lenses at my life- lenses of gratitude and grace – and what a difference that makes!

 Perfect for anyone with a Missions Heart:

Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom – this was my other favorite read this past year.  I’ve always loved Ms. Ten Boom for her life testimony and her work The Hiding Place, but I did not know just how amazing her testimony really was until I was STRONGLY encouraged by my friend Marisa to pick up this book.  This book begins after her freedom from the concentration camp and her willingness to obey the Holy Spirit in huge ways while in her 70’s is inspirational!

Perfect for Justice Seekers:

The Scent of Water by Naomi Zacharias – I was given this book by my friends at Sower of Seeds and it is a lovely story of pain, grace, and seeing God’s goodness across the globe.

Perfect for Anyone...Seriously, anyone who Needs to Know He is Near:

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – this book is already wildly popular, but I’m jumping on the bandwagon to let you know how it speaks to my soul each morning that I read it.  It is anointed and filled with beauty – I truly feel that they are Jesus’ words calling to my soul each morning to trust and look to Him.

Perfect for Friends with a Sense of Humor:

Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff – This book has been out for quite awhile too, but I recently purchased it for my sister because she loves all things satirical…and I love this book too.  Simply put, if you grew up in the church and Christian culture it is funny and will make you laugh at the crazy things Christians do.

So run on out to a local bookstore and pick one up!  I know that I didn’t list any fiction (but let me know if you want any suggestions in that genre too).  What about you?  Do you have any book recommendations that you think would make a great Christmas gift?