2016 Recommended Reading

The recommendations I can make based on my reading this year may be even more eclectic than usual this year.

The Courage to Teach (Parker Palmer) - This work has been very helpful as I continue to learn my vocation in the practical ways of the classroom. I'd happily recommend it to anyone who spends time teaching intentionally.  I posted thoughts from it here earlier this year.

The History of Christian Doctrines (Louis Berkhof) - The notable insight from reading this book was the tremendous unlikelihood that a group of 8-9 guys could create a set of coherent theological documents like the New Testament in the relatively short space of about 60 years, unless under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It took Christian theologians after the NT era a couple hundred years to begin really formulating systematic theology from the NT instead of mostly repeating its language. In other words, a bunch of guys working relatively independently are highly unlikely to come up with a coherent Christological interpretation of the Old Testament by themselves.

Till We Have Faces - C. S. Lewis - This book is the insightful retelling of an ancient myth, detailing the struggles of rationalism, mysticism and faith. It deals with themes like shame and guilt and grace. A thought-stirrer that is classic Lewis.

The Hornblower Saga (C. S. Forester) - These were a re-read, but this saga has fascinated since I first read it in high school. It is a wonderful way to explore the world of the Napoleonic Wars. It's perspective is very British, but it's scope is global.

A Child's Garden of Verses (Robert Louis Stevenson) - I re-discovered this classic with my daughters this year. Stevenson's descriptions were classics for them, as they were for my childhood.

I read several a good bit of new science fiction or fantasy this year. The Silmarillion was neither as difficult to follow nor as dry as some have said. It was fascinating to get a deeper insight into how Tolkien built a world that both reflected his own worldview and yet did not require his readers to share that view in order to enjoy and benefit from this masterpiece. I also read the entirety of the Magic Kingdom for Sale series this year; this is a fun, yet relatively simple, world of classical fantasy creatures. The Secrets of Sagalon and The Magic of Recluse were also interesting. (The former was written by a friend and fellow ESL teacher.)

Halil - The Peddlar of Old Stambul is the relatively true story of the peddler who overthrew a sultan. It was a reminder that historical fiction used to be more history than fiction. Also, because Hungarian author Mor Jokai's works are often free on Kindle, I have a number of them, and they are definitely interesting.

Calico Joe spoke to my love of baseball. The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson (Mark Twain) was enjoyable, and its end note spoke to the difficulty of writing, even for a 'great' writer.

Top song of the year: "The Dark Before the Dawn" by Andrew Peterson - And it wasn't even close! (my blog post here)

Recommendations from years past: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

The Way in a Manger

In a Manger

The Way in a manger;

The Truth among men;

The Life became mortal,

According to plan.

The will of the Father

To crush His own Son

And bring us redemption:

Immanuel has come.

- Miriam K. Champlin

The Nations in the Birth of Jesus

  As I watched a homeschool group share the Christmas story through arts and music tonight, I was pondering the incredible fact that the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the universal claims of the Messiah-ship of Jesus. 

 Matthew does this in two ways, even while being the Gospel which emphasizes 'King of the Jews.' First, it highlights four women who graced His line (two Canaanites, a Moabite, and a women who had married a Hittite), particularly interesting are Tamar and Ruth who played pro-active parts in perpetuating the line. 

This is a pictorial genealogy. As far as I can tell, the women are only shown in the top left corner. (link)

 Second, as far as Matthew mentions, the only visitors who come to honor the baby King were some travelers from far to the East looking for a king. They knew instantly who to worship when they entered his room. How striking for a King who went unnoticed by "His own"...

 Interestingly, Luke (the Greek) has a much more Jewish-oriented account of the birth of Christ, though he does not neglect the universal call of the Savior.