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Christmas is a time for giving presents – and a season that links directly to God’s rescue plan in sending Jesus. So surely the obvious present to give a child is a Bible? Yes! And No!
Yes, it’s always wonderful for children to have God’s living Word in a version they can enjoy and understand. But sadly many such Bibles stay on the shelf, unread. And others may get read – but be less than faithful to the full text of Scripture. So, how do you choose a good Bible to give away? Here are a couple of pointers – plus a link to a full article with some further help in making your choice.
Choose a Bible they can understand
I’m always a little sad at infant dedications or baptisms when the church gives a Bible to the parents. It’s a great idea – but a full Bible isn’t going to be something they can read or understand for at least another six or seven years. So unless you know a very bright child – which you might – then choose a simple book of Bible stories for children under six. This might be a “complete” Bible, such as The Beginner’s Bible, or a booklet with just a few stories in.
Junior-age children – roughly seven upwards, though this depends on the child – are ready for a full Bible with chapters and verses. But it’s still best to choose one with language that’s clear and easy to understand. The International Children’s Bible is the only one that’s been translated directly from the original languages for children. For this age group it gives the best combination of clear, simple language and faithfulness to the original text.
Older children and teens are ready for an adult translation. There’s a wide range about. If you’re not sure, you won’t go far wrong with an NIV, though it’s worth choosing a cover that will appeal to the young person you’re giving it to.
Check for accuracy
If you’ve ever made up a story for children, or read to them from their favourite book, you’ll know how important it is to use simple words, short sentences and clear ideas. But this makes it quite hard to retell Bible stories in a way that’s clear and simple, but also biblically faithful. So if you can, read through a few stories first to check how they’ve simplified difficult ideas (such as Adam and Eve disobeying God in the garden of Eden, or the death and resurrection of Jesus).
Consider giving some help in reading and understanding the Bible
Many parents would like to do more than just read a Bible story to their children, but don’t know where to start or worry that they’ll get it wrong. Some Bible-reading notes can help with this – yes, even for toddlers! If you think it will be appropriate for the family concerned, how about including a copy of Beginning with God (pre-schoolers), Table Talk (families with children aged 4-12), XTB (7-11s), Discover (11-13s) or Engage (14+)? All of these are designed to help children and young people understand the Bible for themselves and come to know God better through His Word.
Do you ever babysit for or visit the child’s family? If so, perhaps you can add a note with the gift to say that you’d love to read some of the Bible with the child when you see them. That makes the Bible or book something that will at least be opened and read while you’re there, and might give you an opportunity also to talk to them about the truths you’ve read together. And that would be a fantastic Christmas present!
Alison Mitchell is a Senior Editor at The Good Book Company, where she has worked on a range of products including Bible-reading notes for children and families, and the Christianity Explored range of resources. She is the best-selling author of The Christmas Promise and the award-winning Jesus and the Lions' Den.
