Gaither Homecoming Bible: A Joy for Ever

The Gaither Homecoming Bible was one of our most anticipated new Bibles of 2012. So now that's it here, is it as good as we said it would be back in October?

“A thing of beauty is joy for ever,” or so the saying goes. Well there’s been a Gaither Homecoming Bible here in the Eden office since just before Christmas so yes, it is still a beauty of a Bible. Add by the fact that I’ve just had to recover it from someone else’s cupboard; it must still be giving joy.

And looking at it again for this review, this is a Bible that might even last for ever. Of course, you wouldn’t expect less from anything with the Gaither’s enduringly popular Homecoming label. This is a well built, cloth reinforced hardback with a strong, quality feel and a handsome dust jacket. It lies open easily without stressing the spine and without it suddenly falling shut unlike many Bibles with so many additional features and resources.

Clear Print, Pastel Shades and NKJV Text: The Homecoming Bible has features and resources like no other. In compiling their version of a devotional Bible, Bill and Gloria have wisely chosen to base it on the New King James Version, with its familiar language and KJV heritage. Its generous, clear print size and two column layout make for relaxed, strain free reading, while coloured print subheads and chapter numbers making it easy for you to find and keep your place. And yes, it has that essential ribbon marker.

Memorable and favourite texts are brought fresh to your mind in pastel shaded panels, while most pages are topped and tailed with soft focus land, sea and sky-scapes, in full yet gentle colour. This Bible really is a visual work of art that would have moved the medieval Bible illustrators to penance in the sin of envy. Struggling to find a fault with it, this is, of course not at Anglicised text. But then southern gospel revival music is the all American sound the Gaither's give to the world; and this is a devotional Bible for lovers of gospel revival music.

Artists' Favourite Scriptures and Gospel Songs: In creating the Homecoming Bible, veteran musicians Bill and Gloria haven’t relied solely on their own wisdom and experience; they wouldn't be so pretentious. Instead, they’ve called in a few friends to help. Between Bible passages, Gaither Music musicians and artists write about their favourite scripture readings and gospel songs, while Christian authors, thinkers and teachers add their wisdom and experience.

There's only so much you can say about a Bible as well thought out and produced as this before you have to just say ‘get one’. The Gaither Homecoming Bible is an NKJV after all, so it’s as good to read as it is to simply have in the house; which is as it should be.