Reader’s Corner: The Greatest Story

Readers have likely figured out that this column has evolved to promote the importance of reading, including note-taking and thoughtful response, from a print book or publication as much as possible. Based on feedback email, different readers appreciate introductions to the work of local authors, the occasional revisiting of a classic, a bit of humor, or even the occasional leap onto a soapbox about the need to improve student reading and thinking skills. 

This week, though, let’s focus on the greatest and most impactful book ever written: The Bible. Ranked as the best-selling book of all time, several sources show Bible sales having increased significantly in 2025, particularly following the assassination of Christian activist Charlie Kirk, with over 2.4 million Bibles—mostly print copies—sold in September alone. This seems a strong indicator of people searching for faith and stability during times of uncertainty. 

With Christmas season approaching, while the surrounding world continues to reflect uncertainty and chaos, I’ve noticed a renewed interest in Advent—the season observed by many church traditions as preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ. People are grasping at the themes of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love, explored in sermons, songs and Scripture readings, often symbolized by beautiful Advent candles, for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. 

Advent is a perfect time to begin, or renew, study of the Bible, seeing its thematic unity from Creation to the Fall to renewed hope, masterfully developed by divinely-inspired individual writers over centuries. Advent studies show the connection between Old Testament prophets, who wrote during distress at current circumstances while still reflecting the hope of a future Messiah, and the New Testament accounts of the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the hope of his future Kingdom. 

It is always disturbing to see “deconstructors” cherry-picking verses out of context to build a “case” against God in ways they would not think of maligning Shakespeare, Tolstoy, or Jane Austen. On the other hand, it is encouraging to see some of my son’s young friends, raised in liturgical churches, starting to dig into the themes of the church calendar year, including Advent, to learn more about God and deepen their relationship with Him. Other young people I have talked with are just fed up with the constant barrage of unhelpful news, and are finding real, lasting hope through studying the Bible. 

If you’ve been considering starting, or renewing, Bible study, why not now? A number of good Advent studies are available online and in print, including the excellent one from Proverbs 31 Ministries that I’m currently using. I guarantee it won’t take long until you’re thoroughly immersed in The Greatest Story ever told!