Bible to Life 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Books are the perfect gifts to help grow, enrich, and inspire. This holiday season, we’ve carefully curated a list to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Peruse the list below and find captivating stories, enriching devotionals, and books that will help those who read them deepen their relationship with Christ.

For the Advent Season—Books to Kindle the Holiday Spirit

Need some good reads for Christmas season? Check out some of these titles.

Born a Child Yet a King by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Carrying songs—and Jesus—in your heart the whole Christmas season.

We know the songs of Christmas like we know the rooms of our house or the placement of our Christmas tree. One or two probably stand out for us as the epitome of how Christmas is supposed to sound. It’s not officially Christmas until we hear them.

As those familiar songs fill your home again this season, listen closely. They are telling a story, the story of Jesus—who He is and why He came.

Winter Fire by Ryan Whitaker Smith

Experience the warmth of Christmas through the winsome wit and wisdom of beloved writer G. K. Chesterton. This devotional—perfect for the Christmas season—includes selections of Chesterton’s writings, accompanied with commentary, Scripture readings, and reflections.

Be encouraged by Chesterton’s insight, charmed by the Victorian-inspired artwork, and delighted by the traditional English recipes. Make Chesterton’s poetry, short stories, and essays a part of your Christmas tradition!

A festive celebration of childlike wonder, the beautifully illustrated Winter Fire is a unique and meaningful gift.

Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman

Enrich Your Christmas with the Sounds of the Season

Celebrate the coming of Christ by immersing yourself in the legacy of music that truly honors the Christmas season. Hosanna in Excelsis is a great Christmas gift for the musicians in your life or for anyone who wants to go deeper celebrating the birth of our savior. 

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus for Kids by Asheritah Ciuciu

Based on the best-selling Advent devotional that’s helped over 100,000 families recapture the joy of Christmas!

“Tell us the story again, Mama!” Unwrapping the Names of Jesus for Kids begins with this enthusiastic plea. What follows is the captivating story of how the mother encountered Jesus—and His beautiful names— as a little girl. As you travel with this girl, you and your children will experience Jesus as a real person who meets our real needs.

Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling

We hate to admit it, but after years, sometimes even decades, of reading the same Luke 2 story of Christmas, we get a little bored—we lose some of the awe we ought to have when discussing the greatest miracle in history. That’s why The Characters of Christmas was written, to help you take a fresh look at the Christmas story by getting to know the minor characters that played a part in Jesus’ birth, such as Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Shepherds, and Herod.

Break free from the familiar, and discover something you never knew about the story you’ve always heard.

For Him—Books Tailored for Men’s Spiritual Growth

Looking for a gift for your son, father, or another guy in your life? One of these may be a good fit!

God Speaks Science by John Van Sloten

DNA, the Danube River, and deep-sea life. Knees and trees. The Swiss Alps, songbirds, and supernovas. God speaks though His creation. And you don’t have to be naturally gifted at biology, chemistry, or physics to be awakened to His wisdom and majesty. Pastor, teacher, and non-scientist John Van Sloten invites us to know God more deeply as we marvel at the complexities of His amazing creation.

A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines by Patrick Morley

Spiritual strength—like surgical skill or athletic excellence—requires training and practice.

Have you been wanting to cultivate a deeper walk with God? Let Patrick Morley help you craft a personalized set of spiritual practices. In his updated, expanded book, A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines, you will discover twelve energizing habits that can strengthen your walk with Jesus, including:

• Experiencing God in creation
• Letting the Bible change your life
• Learning the power of prayer
• Grasping God’s greatness through worship
• Gaining strength through Sabbath
• Thriving through fellowship
• Succeeding through wise counsel . . . and more

God Alone by Jonathan Griffiths

We are living in a me-focused, treat-yourself world—a world that incessantly encourages us to focus on ourselves. But a life turned inward—rather than focused on God—brings peril and confusion. When we fail to know God properly, we become selfish and hopeless. But a renewed understanding of who God is changes that.

Escaping Enemy Mode by Jim Wilder and Ray Woolridge

Enemy Mode is an immensely damaging brain state that occurs in everyday life. In enemy mode, a person sees and experiences others as adversaries. Living in this mode poisons family and community bonds. It contributes to social stress, business failure, divorce, alienation, domestic violence, crime, racism, and international violence. Social media magnifies the impact of enemy mode toward almost all topics or persons imaginable.

Called Into Questions by Matthew Lee Anderson

We need not fear questions. By the grace of God, we have the safety and security to rush headlong into them and find ourselves better for it on the other side.

Faith is not the sort of thing that endures so long as our eyes are closed. The opposite is the case: Faith helps us see, and that means not shrinking from the ambiguities and the difficulties that provoke our most profound questions.

For Her—Books to Help Her Dwell and Delight in God’s Word

Need a gift for your daughter or wife? This list would be a great place to start!

Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall

Reclaiming the art of Scripture memorization

Scripture memorization is the path we travel to obey God’s command to meditate on His Word. You will be transformed as the Bible takes root in your heart. The more we know His Word, the more we will—with the help of the Holy Spirit—be shaped like Jesus. You can do this! Memorizing Scripture shows you how! 

Holy Hyggeby Jamie Erickson

Hygge [HYOO-guh] has become a cultural buzzword. When many read about this Danish practice, their shoulders lift in excitement, then fall in exhale. In a culture of rush, hygge appeals to their desire for rest—for slow living, shared moments, and fostered friendships. Hygge has strong ties to beauty, contentment, and well-being. It’s warm and inviting. Hygge is the opposite of hustle. It eschews abundance. It savors. It takes things slow and envelopes you in sanctuary. Hygge is home. When you sit in a comfy chair by the fire, that’s hygge. When you arrange a fresh bouquet of wildflowers on a bedside table, that’s hygge too. Candles, soft furnishings, natural light, fresh-baked pastries, intimate gatherings with friends—these are what come to mind when you think of hygge. But hygge can be so much more.

52 Weeks in the Word by Trillia Newbell 

A joy-filled, thoughtful, and realistic pathway through the entirety of God’s Word!

This book provides:

• A reading plan—not too big or too small
• 52 Reflections—one per week
• Prayer prompts for each Scripture reading
• Built in rest and catch-up days
• Space for your own reflection or study
• Easy instructions so you can begin throughout the year!

52 Weeks in the Word guides you through God’s sacred and trusted Word, all while helping you organize your reading and pausing for deeper meditation. The result? Greater knowledge of God, by grace and the power of the Spirit, can lead to wisdom and worship of God. You’ll discover treasures—some old to you, some new—help for daily living, hope in times of suffering, and a deep abiding relationship with the God who loves you.

Heaven Rules by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Heaven Rules is the two-word answer for every two-word worry. The promise we need for every wave of trouble, every assault on our peace of mind. Heaven’s rule is God’s rule: His rule over nations and nature. His rule over renegade viruses, cancer, and concerns about your marriage, your kids, your job, and everything else. The Bible says God is personally, purposefully involved in all that’s taking place here on earth. He’s reigning over each tear and scar and crisis and conflict. Heaven is ruling, always ruling. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience distress, but it does mean we can find a refuge by looking upward and letting His peace rule in our hearts.

Bible and Breakfast by Asheritah Ciuciu

Are you starting your day on empty?

Before your feet hit the ground, chaos drowns out any hope of quiet time with Jesus, as the alarm blares, kids run around the house, and your to-do list reminds you that you’re already behind.

Bible and Breakfast is for you. In just a month, you’ll kickstart a morning habit of meeting with Jesus and eating a healthy breakfast every day. Join Bible teacher and author Asheritah Ciuciu for 31 devotions for busy women and 31 tasty breakfast recipes.

Landscape of Hope by Heather Holdsworth

The world is noisy and disorientating. Our hearts need beauty and truth.

Through the medium of art and words, artist and Bible teacher Heather Holdsworth shares an illustrated journey into the Psalms. Landscape of Hope takes passages that have become familiar—perhaps too familiar—and reveals their soul-strengthening, heart-restoring power. Through artwork and commentary, readers find themselves deeply engaging with the Bible and the triune God.

For Kids and Teens—Stories to Inspire Young People

Want to get your kids some gifts that won’t add to the clutter of toy boxes? Check out these books for gift ideas.

Lies Boys Believe + Parent’s Guide by Erin and Jason Davis

Lies are powerful. God’s Truth is stronger.

Graphic novel meets meaty Bible teaching in Lies Boys Believe, helping boys identify lies and replace them with Truth so they can stand firm in a fractured world.

Jason and Erin Davis—parents to four boys—use witty storytelling and playful graphics to present solid biblical truth to combat the most common lies boys believe. With easy-to-read chapters, this book focuses on ten core lies:

• Loving God Is for Girls
• God is Mad at Me
• It’s Not My Fault
• No One Needs to Know About My Sin
• I Can’t Control My Temper
• It Doesn’t Matter What I Watch
• Reading the Bible Isn’t for Me . . . and more.

Little Pilgrims Progress + Activity Book by Helen L. Taylor and Joe Sutphin

Perceiving the need for a simpler version of a timeless classic, Helen Taylor faithfully adapted John Bunyan’s allegory of the Christian life, The Pilgrim’s Progress, for young readers—hoping to bring its treasury of wisdom nearer to children’s hearts and minds. That version has sold over 800,000 copies! It preserves the original plotlines of Bunyan’s classic while telling the story of Little Christian and Christiana in a way that kids can understand.

Also, in the Activity Book you’ll get 32 pages of fun activities for kids ages 6-10 that help them remember and engage with the Bible and the beloved story of Little Pilgrim.

Encouraging creativity and conversation, this coloring and activity book is designed to be used alongside Little Pilgrim’s Progress (Illustrated Edition).

Out of the Shadow World by Colleen Chao

Ten-year-old Pax Jackson doesn’t know if he’ll make it to his next birthday. He has cancer. And he’s about to embark upon an unforgettable adventure. At their favorite climbing tree, Pax and his best friend, Jayni, meet Wilmer—a comical bellbird who introduces them to a magical realm of delightful and bewitching creatures.

This Seat’s Savedby Heather Holleman

Class schedules, locker combinations, and the play for popularity — middle school is a new world with new rules.

At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown’s friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she’s terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn’t commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table? Full of suspense and divine moments, readers will be captivated by this story.

What to Wear by Catherine Parks

The Apostle Paul tells us that our identity is in Christ, and we need to dress the part. All who follow Jesus—kids included—must take off and put on certain things. What to Wear is an eight-part study of these items of “clothing” Paul teaches about in Colossians 3. How do we put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and love?

This study shows your kids how Jesus perfectly embodies these virtues and how He enables us to grow in them. Apart from Jesus Christ, our attempts to form these traits in our children will fail. Yet when tied to identity in Christ and our belonging in the church, we see the fruit of these qualities developed in our minds and hearts.

For Parents—Helpful Resources for Shaping Children

Know of a parent in your life who could use some resources for parenting their kids? One of these books may be a good gift!

The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin

In The Wolf in Their Pockets, Internet expert Chris Martin examines the many ways we are being changed by social media. With a biblically informed voice, Martin both exposes the ways the Internet is distorting our life in Christ and shows us how to faithfully respond. Martin teaches us how to care for people who are obsessed with followers, views, and likes—and how to love those whose online influences have filled them with cynicism and contempt. Martin looks at how the social Internet is changing how we understand sex and beauty—what to do about the epidemic levels of anxiety—and how to redirect our hearts to worship Jesus Christ.

Inconvenient Parenting by Melissa Hannigan 

Hope and help for shaping Christ-honoring future generations.

Families are like little churches. They are meant to be places of discipleship, worship, and rest—places where we can fine tune the gifts God’s given us so we can bless the world. They can be full of surprises and joy. But family life can also be heartbreaking and downright discouraging. Trained counselor and mother Melissa Hannigan knows how hard it is to cast and keep a vision of rich family life. How do we cultivate a family culture that’s vibrant and encouraging—a refuge amidst life’s storms?

5 Traits of a Healthy Family by Gary Chapman 

Is your family all that it could be?

Many feel bombarded by images and experiences of broken families, but this is not how God intended families to be!

So often we examine the traits of unhealthy families, but Gary Chapman paints a biblical portrait of what a loving, stable family looks like. He details five timeless characteristics that create a healthy family environment:

• A heart for service
• Husbands and wives who relate intimately
• Parents who guide their children
• Children who obey and honor their parents
• Husbands who love and lead 

Parent Differently by Kathy Koch

Most parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. The why and how to instill character.

Behavior modification does not guarantee good character qualities. Character influences decisions. It’s evidenced in our speech, actions, and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. The world competes for the hearts of our kids—and we see its negative impact in their pride, laziness, and entitlement. As Christians, however, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children. Dads and moms, grandparents, and teachers all want to see their children grow in humility, gratitude, and respect—for others and themselves. We want our kids to be brave, compassionate, and joyful. We don’t want our kids to flounder through life. We want them to flourish and live into their God-given designs and callings.

For the Weary—Words to Rejuvenate the Soul

When we’re walking through dark valleys, it can be encouraging to read a good book from someone who’s been there before us. If you have weary friends or family members, consider one of these.

In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God by Colleen Chao

Is it possible to face the darkest days of life with hope and joy and purpose? 

The life of Colleen Chao was bright and beautiful—it was brimming with hope and possibility. She was a talented, confident, and ambitious young woman. So, Colleen never imagined that she’d swim through two decades of deep-water anxiety and depression. She didn’t guess that she’d marry late, suffer years of chronic pain and illness, and give birth to a child with health complications. And never in her life did she imagine hearing the words: “Cancer. Stage four. Terminal.”

All Who Are Weary by Sarah Hauser

You’re tired. Tired in your body. Tired in your soul. At times, life feels hard, chaotic, or just mind-numbingly ordinary. But what if our souls could find rest even amid the onslaught of chaos and confusion? What if we could exchange that heavy dread and disquiet for a peace that passes understanding? Author Sarah J. Hauser believes that while our outward lives are falling apart, our inner lives can grow stronger. All Who are Weary was born out of Sarah’s own story—her depression, grief, and tears. Sarah, no stranger to weariness, invites us to join her in bringing our heavy burdens to Jesus and taking the light burden He offers instead.

Wisdom’s Call by K. A. Ellis

Scripture is full of one generous and welcoming invitation after another. In Wisdom’s Call, K. A. Ellis shows us how to claim the asset of wisdom and invites us to experience Jesus Christ—the Wisdom on which our world rests. Ellis calls us to live in God’s magnificent world as people who are wise.   

Abiding Dependence by Ron Block

Our humanity is meant to be powered by the Breath of God.

You want to grow more deeply in your faith—to know in your bones the love the Father has for you. You want to know that even when life doesn’t seem to be going as it should, God is with you. You need courage for today. Strength and hope for tomorrow. Musician and artist Ron Block desires the same—for you and for himself.

Prayers of Rest by Asheritah Ciuciu

In Prayers of REST: Daily Prompts to Hear God’s Voice, Asheritah Ciuciu offers you a respite from your spiritual to-do list. She provides guided prayers that will focus your mind and heart on Scripture. Using a memorable acronym and daily Bible verses, this prayer devotional will guide you through worship, confession, stillness, and surrender. You’ll learn to:

• Recite God’s Goodness
• Express Your Neediness
• Seek His Stillness
• Trust His Faithfulness

Don’t let distractions pull you away from God. When the duties of life begin to weigh on your mind . . . that’s exactly when you need to REST in the Lord.

Finding and buying the right gifts for our friends and family members can be really difficult. You may feel like your loved ones already have everything they need. You may be totally unsure of their hobbies and interests. But most people could use a good book, and surely some of the titles listed above would make for great Christmas gifts or gifts for any other sort of occasion.