Favorite Reads from 2020

I read a bunch of books this year. Some of the books I read were rereads. Many of them were new to me. Here are my favorites from this year.

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
This is a fun retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in the Muslim community in Toronto.

The Things of Earth by Joe Rigney
This is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live as a Christian and yet to live among the ordinary rhythms of life here on earth.

As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner
Set in Philadelphia during the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918, this was interesting to read, especially during this year of covid.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
Nabeel's story of his journey to finding Jesus was riveting and compelling.

Conscience by Andrew Naselli and J. D. Crowley
One of the best books I read this year (tied with the next one I've listed). It explores what our conscience is, how to train it, and how to interact with others that do not share the same convictions as we do.

Companions in Suffering by Wendy Alsup
The other best book I read this year. Wendy's approach to suffering is compassionate because she herself has joined the ranks of sufferers. This book explores the suffering of familiar Bible characters and what a right theology of suffering looks like. I can't recommend this book enough.


Any books you read in 2020 that you recommend? I'd love to hear your recommendations.

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Christmas Morning

"Christmas morning broke on a beautiful white world. It had been a very mild December and people had looked forward to a green Christmas; but just enough snow fell softly in the night to transfigure Avonlea. Anne peeped out from her frosted gable window with delighted eyes. The firs in the Haunted Wood were all feathery and wonderful; the birches and wild cherry trees were outlined in pearl; the plowed fields were stretches of snowy dimples; and there was a crisp tang in the air that was glorious."
- L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

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Above the Manger Stood a Star

Above the manger stood a star
A star all wondrous white
and all about His lowly bed
There welled a flood of light

It bathed the stable in its glow
It shone round Mary's head
And on the kneeling shepherds cloaks
Its radiant beams were shed.

Star of the world, through time and space
it flames in glory bright
to make a man's pilgrimage through the night
a pathway of light

- by Traditional

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See Amid the Winter's Snow

See, amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.

Hail! Thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He, who throned in height sublime,
sits amid the cherubim!

Say, ye holy shepherds, say,
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?

"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Savior's birth."

Sacred Infant, all divine,
what a tender love was Thine;
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!

Teach, O teach us, Holy Child,
by Thy face so meek and mild,
teach us to resemble Thee
in Thy sweet humility!

- by Edward Caswall

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30-Day Giving Challenge 2020 - Week 5

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
- G.K. Chesterton

I am thankful this year to be able to take time to focus on being grateful. I'm also enjoying being able to purposefully focus on giving to others. Here are some of the opportunities I had this past week.

Tuesday - helped with a local prayer meeting
Wednesday - bought some items for strangers from the hashtag on twitter, #ShareYourWishList
Thursday - donated to my local food shelf
Friday - donated to my local Red Kettle
Saturday - shared a virtual coffee gift card with some friends
Sunday - donated to Book Aid International’s effort to help rebuild the library in Mosul
Monday - donated to aid relief in Central America

I've enjoyed taking extra time during November to focus on others. I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had to hopefully make someone's day just a little brighter. As we move into December may you know the joy that this season brings.

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