The Queen was given a commemorative version of the Bible herself on her Coronation Day with the words that it was the best gift she was ever going to receive. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Church in this land gave back to the nation, in marking her Diamond Jubilee, the best gift they will ever receive – the free gift of the New Testament?
– Dr Rachel Jordan, National Mission and Evangelism Advisor
The Church of England, together with HOPE and Biblica, have launched a special edition New Testament for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
But this is not just another collectable tea-towel equivalent; they’re are not intended to gather dust in someone’s display cabinet. They are intended for giving away, whether through schools, churches or Jubilee celebration events.
These New Testaments were launched in time for Easter, and over Easter alone they sold more than 44,000 copies. At just 50p each, they are an easy way to give God’s Story to someone else. (And don’t worry – although they are NIVs, it’s the anglicised version!) Maybe it’s a way that your church can use the Jubilee to reach out to the community. Find out more information and about sales.
We know of one church, though, who are using the Jubilee not just to share God’s Story with those nearby, but also with those who are far off. They’ve decided to use their church and community street party to let people know that 350 million people don’t have God’s word in their language.
While many English-speakers have never read the Bible, though it’s easily available, millions of others are longing to be able to access a Bible they can understand. As you prepare for celebrations this summer, why not think about how you can give others ‘the best gift they’ll ever receive’. Find out more about giving with Wycliffe.
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Translation is embedded in Christian history. From the very start, as the apostles wrote of Jesus’ ministry, they translated his words into Greek as they wrote, and those words have been shared since then in translations. In fact, translation is even more fundamental – as Kenney points out, “Jesus’ incarnation was an act of translation, and translation work is the means by which he will be incarnated into every language and culture.”
Far and near
As a child, Bois was certainly remarkable. Born to parents renowned for their personal godliness, Bois was the only of their children to live through childhood. His father personally educated him, and very proficiently: by age 5, he could reputedly read the Bible in Hebrew.
Although his selection was originally questioned – the London translators didn’t think they needed his ‘country’ help – he was also selected to be on the committee for the final checking of the translation. The process took the team of 12 nine months to complete. His notes from the meetings have been found, and made up part of the ‘Manifold Greatness’ exhibition in Oxford, which last year celebrated the anniversary of the King James Bible.
Paperless Christmas and Natwivity are back by popular demand. 
As we think about the celebrations and joy of this Christmas, it’s natural to think about the lives of others here and around the world in more need than us. Getting your Christmas cards from Just Cards Direct is an easy way to make loving others part of your holidays this year.
