Hand-written Bible

There is a Bible being auctioned off on eBay right now. The current bid is over $6000. No, it's not an ancient Bible, it's a new one. Completely handwritten. Over 31,000 people hand wrote one verse each.

The publishing house Zondervan which publishes the NIV (New International Version) is behind the project. A team of people traveled to 90 cities in 40 states over a nine month period, finishing in June of 2009. All kinds of people volunteered to write a verse. There were two original copies made, and one is being auctioned off. But you can buy a printed copy for $100 on their site ('Bible Across America') or from Amazon.com.

This gives me an idea for a unique Christmas present. Why not take up your pen and hand-write one of the gospels for your child or grandchild? Writing out Scripture by hand is a good spiritual practice. It slows us down and puts us into the sacred writings in a personal way. Another possibility would be to make your own version. Put the words and message of a gospel in your own words. Paraphrase each passage using your own way of saying it. Keep the meaning the same, of course, but use your own wording.

The words and thoughts of the Bible are powerful. The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit." (Eph. 6). Watch out--don't get hurt.