In his outstanding book, “The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People,” John Ortberg writes,

“…every age has produced fairy tales. Something inside us believes or wants to believe, that the world as we know it is not the whole story. We long for the re-enchantment of reality. We hope that death is not the end…so we keep spinning and repeating stories that hold the promise of another world.”

Through these powerful words, Ortberg rightly identifies humanity’s deepest and most universal experience – we desire another world. This truth has been the cultural epicenter for every human civilization, and the Bible answers this longing through Jesus and the announcement of His kingdom.

As parents, we can add fuel to this God-given desire by exposing our children to Christian authors whose stories awaken these “other-worldly” desires. You might consider reading C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, or current authors like Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga. These incredible works of literature may provide a spark for your children, but they cannot possibly light the fire.

As you consider great works of literature, I hope you’ll also consider exposing your children to the Bible each day. For younger children, you might purchase a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible and read it after dinner. Or you might open your family Bible to the Gospel of Luke and share the matchless words of Jesus who said, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” In other words – the world that humanity has always longed for has come near. It is now accessible through Jesus. Its power, its rights, its privileges – all ours now. The Lord has covered the distance and met us where we are. We can experience His kingdom now.