Best Books
My father was a preacher for the entirety of his adult life. One of the things I remember most about his preaching was his ability to quote Scriptures from memory throughout his sermon. Although he always quoted from his King James Bible, he developed an interest in his later years in a version far removed from the classic KJV. The Message by Eugene Peterson is a paraphrased version that uses artistic, idiomatic, and powerfully poetic language to emphasize the point of a passage. My father found The Message to be both intriguing and thought-provoking. Sometimes, after reading a passage in his Bible, he would reach for a copy of The Message and say, “Let’s see what Eugene says.”
Before the publication of The Message, Peterson served as a pastor for many years to a small congregation in Maryland. After his death in 2018, a collection of his sermons was compiled and has been recently published for the first time. Lights a Lovely Mile – Collected Sermons of the Church Year (Waterbrook) is filled with words of grace and peace. Over forty of Peterson’s sermons are offered, providing Scriptural insight, spiritual enhancement, and practical advice for all who aspire to be faithful followers of Jesus. The sermons are arranged in sequence with the church calendar, beginning with Advent and proceeding through all the various seasons. Lent and Easter are quite appropriately emphasized. Lights a Lovely Mile – Collected Sermons of the Church Year is one of those uncommon books that I believe every Christian can benefit from. Peterson was a wonderful writer, and his sermons reflect a true pastoral heart.
My father and Peterson are now residents in the kingdom of heaven. Both pastored small churches, shared a profound love and respect for the Scriptures, and served faithfully for decades. Although I am uncertain as to what the interval between death and resurrection looks like, I think it’s possible they are aware of each other. I’d like to think they’ve met. Perhaps, one day in heaven, my dad read a passage in his King James Bible, contemplated the text for a moment, and then said. “I think I’ll go over and see what Eugene says.”
-Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster
www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com
205-663-2370
