Max Lucado Reviews

Added June 6, 2008

3:16 - The Numbers of Hope

Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Nonfiction: Christian Living
Format: Hardcover
Price: $24.99
ISBN-13: 978-0-8499-0193-5
Author Email/Website: www.maxlucado.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Hanzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known, most memorized Bible verse. Yet, Max Lucado makes this small portion of Scripture as fresh as the day you first read it. 3:16 The Numbers of Hope is both an introduction to the basic principles of Christianity as well as a glorious reminder of the great love God has for the world. These pages can be read by a wide audience-those that are seeking the truth and those that have found the truth and want to sit quietly in the Light of God's amazing love.

Max Lucado is undoubtedly a gifted communicator and this book highlights his talent. He begins by gently taking apart this beloved verse, spotlighting key words and phrases. His anecdotes, personal experiences and heartfelt honesty open up this portion of Scripture with a genuine sense of wonder and joy. Readers will recognize the author's desire to capture the awe and the magnitude of the Gospel message that is succinctly set forth in these few words.

The second part of the book features a 40-day devotional focusing on Jesus. The author describes this section as "a few scrapbook entries" to sketch out the life of the Son who was given to the world. This is a wonderful follow up to the previous pages, giving readers a more intimate look at the Savior and allowing them time to reflect on his life.

Lucado calls John 3:16 the "Hope Diamond" of the Bible and he demonstrates that idea with this book. Each turn of the page shows another facet to this simple, yet powerful verse, letting the Light from Heaven shine behind and between the letters of these words. In a world full of complexity, John 3:16: The Numbers of Hope simplifies the Gospel message, laying it gently on readers' hearts. Read it to be refreshed or to be reminded of its reality.

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Added September 4, 2006

The Christmas Candle

Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: WestBow Press
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: October 3, 2006
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Holiday
Format: Jacketed Hardcover
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 1-5955-4147-0
Author Email/Website: www.maxlucado.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Hanzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

The Christmas Candle shines with a radiant insight. Written with Max Lucado's signature style of sincerity and spiritual perception, this story will warm the reader's heart with the wonders of God's love and mercy.

Gladstone, a small English village, is the home of a very large miracle. Every twenty-five years, at Christmas, an angel visits the local candle maker, touching one of the newly made candles and infusing it with a supernatural power. The people who received these special candles in past years had a wondrous change come into their lives, as their difficult circumstances turned into certain blessings. As the current candle maker, Edward Haddington, anxiously awaits the appearance of the angel, he wonders who should receive the candle this holiday season. In his small town, there were so many needy people, but only one could be the fortunate recipient.

This short book is packed with a clever, modern day parable, which gives readers a glimpse into the mind and heart of God. The small town setting and the quaint characters allow the story to be embraced with tender trust. Beginning with the initial visitation of the angel, and culminating with this year's heavenly arrival of power, the pages take on a quiet urgency. The author positions the people and their situations into the plot with the utmost care, angling their presence so the light of the story line shines into all the dark places. A surprise offers a bit of tension, which ultimately leads to a fitting conclusion. The final scenes whisper words of comfort and love, while the epilogue is gently encouraging.

The Christmas Candle can bring warmth and love to every reader's heart.

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This page was last updated on June 6, 2008

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