My daughter, Robin, placed a neatly wrapped gift in my hands. We were celebrating an early Christmas at her home, and I was not really expecting anything. The package was pretty heavy and I was trying to ascertain what it might be. A five pound box of chocolates? I hoped not; not so good for a compulsive eater like me. A complete set of wrench sockets? I hoped not because I already have many sets of wrench sockets scattered about the house and garage. As it turned out, the gift was weightier than I suspected. It was a Bible.

Now my daughter knows I already have many Bibles. There are four different versions on the bookshelf, one on the kitchen table, and many New Testament translations on a shelf in the basement. These do not include the two Bibles my wife uses. Oh, and I have seven versions of the entire bible on my iPhone. And since I am about to turn eighty years of age, it’s unlikely I’ll wear out any Bible in my lifetime.

Nevertheless, I was pleased to receive this one for a couple of reasons. First, as you can see, it is a Reformation Study Bible, with maps and notes and a concordance. (I could have used those maps when we studied the life of Abraham in Genesis this year.) Second, this edition also contains creeds and confessions, so I don’t have to search for separate books when I want to read one of these. Third, it was an acknowledgment and an encouragement from my daughter; celebrating the faith we share and my continuing need to grow in it.

I started reading in it as soon as I returned home, beginning with the precious personal inscription on the flyleaf. I also ordered a Bible cover with carrying handles. (I did mention that this thing was heavy, right?) It is a pleasant feeling to sit in my chair with this book in my hands reading familiar words with a renewed excitement. I can’t wait to get back to the mens study on January 12th.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 119:105 (ESV)