In The Amplified Light, English teacher, marriage counselor, and devout Christian Alice Brooks has created a daily devotional drawn exclusively from the Amplified Bible. Completed in 1965, the Amplified Bible sought to show the depth and texture of the language of scripture by “using synonyms and definitions [that] both explain and expand the meaning of the words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses and brackets after key words and phrases.” The Amplified Bible has, in its 40-plus years, become a popular book among many Christian denominations for its accessibility and ease of use.
Brooks’ admiration for this particular translation is apparent throughout The Amplified Light, and she should be commended for compiling such a rich and exhaustive selection of verses. Her modus operandi is to piece together various passages, say from the book of Hebrews, Jeremiah, Romans and Matthew, into a daily entry to inspire and promote reflection.
Where the book comes up short is the lack of any commentary from Brooks. This is a devotional comprised entirely of selections from the Bible, and while Brooks says in her preface that each daily entry has its own theme, it can be difficult at times to discern exactly what that theme is. Just a few explanatory words from her introducing each passage would have helped better set the tone for the reader.
While those looking for a structured guide in a devotional may find this book frustrating, readers who have open minds and are just looking for a daily jolt of scripture will be pleased by this thoughtful and well-intentioned project.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
