This year, I’m recommending this as a Christmas gift to everyone I know. I fell in love with Eugene Peterson’s The Message about a decade ago and each time I return to it, I’m always taken by the fresh, crisp nature of this Biblical paraphrase. Written in the everyday language of contemporary life, The Message employs modern phrases and idioms to express the timeless truths of Scripture in language that resonates with today’s reader. Sure, it’s not a committee translation, but The Message makes for a great companion piece to a more literal translation like the New American Standard or the English Standard Version.

The great news is The Message has been released in a new format called Conversations. The translation remains the same; what’s different is the addition of Eugene Peterson’s study notes, sermons, seminary notes and devotional writings. It’s basically The Message Study Bible. From the back jacket, “Imagine exploring God’s Word with a trusted pastor, a companion who guides you through each passage while sharing invaluable insights and wisdom.” I picked up my copy of Conversations last month for my birthday (thanks to some birthday money from Sunny’s grandmother. Thanks, Mrs. Shates!) and I can’t put it down. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift idea for your husband, wife, or child, this would be a tremendous blessing to their devotional life. You can order it here through NavPress or here through Amazon for under $30.