Reading is personal. From the genres we prefer to when, where, and how we like to read.

I had a friend who read only in bed. If he wanted to read a book, he crawled under the covers. Other friends promise me they’ll never go high tech with their books. Give then the old-fashioned hardback or paperback, a cup of coffee, and a big comfy sofa.

Other readers I know download their books to the Kindle or some other electronic reading device.

As readers, we develop a favorite authors list, waiting expectantly for their next release.

I’ve had people curl their nose at me when I mention I like reading romance. But you can’t get me interested in one of my husband’s space navy Sci-Fi books.

Reading tastes vary, opinions are wide and diverse. Books I didn’t find riveting or wowing will deeply impact another reader. Books that moved me may not move another.

Reading is personal.

Yet, there’s a wonderful layer to CBA fiction and stories with a Christian worldview. The storytellers are infused with the Light of the Creator.

As a writer, I often pray, “Lord, if I’m found in You and my characters are found in me, then my characters must be in You, too. What do You want to say?”

Some spiritual messages in our fiction are clear-cut and unmistakable. Other books have a more symbolic or cloaked gospel message. I’ve heard editors debate the how-tos and whys of a book’s spiritual imprint.

Reading is personal. Some don’t like an overt message. Other readers practically demand it.

But here’s the truth. Our fiction is a spiritual moonstone.

The gemstone, moonstone, is characterized by a shimmer of light, mysterious and changing as the stone is moved and turned. Light is refracted and scattered within the stone, so the effect is unique and desirable.

It’s the same with fiction written by one with a heart after God. His light shines through, is refracted and scattered between the words, making a unique effect that stirs every reader differently.

This is the beauty of a Christian-based novel. Whether the message of Jesus Christ is clear or subtle, His light will shine through.

Jesus knows what every reader needs. He knows the condition of their hearts, their struggles, hopes, and dreams. Fiction is one way to reach in with His light and overcome any area of darkness.

Does reading have to be a spiritual journey? No. But isn’t it great if somehow our hearts are touched by Him, ever so gently, through story?

Think about the time you were reading a novel and a line of prose or dialogue stood out to you. A few years ago I was reading a non-CBA book by a popular author. She wrote a beautiful line about the transcendent beauty of the divine, and the words stuck me so hard, I jumped from my chair and hollered for my husband. “Listen to this!”

Not only did I love the image the line created, but I loved the idea that God can be and is reflected in books. How much more can we find those gems and shimmers of God’s love from books written by the redeemed.

It’s the moonstone of fiction. Subtle. Bright. Beautiful.