Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas New Releases

C is for Christmas
David & Warren Weirsbe
Baker Books, November 2012
Throughout history many non-essential traditions have woven themselves into the celebration of Christmas that it's difficult to understand just what the season of Christ's birth is all about. Now beloved writer Warren W. Wiersbe and David W. Wiersbe give adults their very own A-Z primer to Christmas entitled C is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ's Birth. Cutting through the wrapping paper and pretty bows to expose and explain the backgrounds and reasons for our various symbols and traditions. From angels and Bethlehem to yuletide and Zechariah, the information in this unique collection is sure to enlighten. Anyone who wants to have a deeper understanding of Christmas will love this insightful resource.

The Promise of Christmas is Jesus: A Devotional
Jack Countryman
Thomas Nelson, October 2012
We all need more than sugar-drizzled cakes and cookies to sustain us through the Christmas season. Here's truly nourishing "food for thought"! Thirty devotions will help you focus on the miraculous scope of what Christ's birth meant for the world---and celebrate God's amazing grace and mercy. Wrap up a copy with every tin of holiday fudge! 64 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Love's Christmas Journey DVD
Twentieth Century Fox, October 2012
When her husband dies, Ellie seeks peace and healing at her brother's house. She never thought she'd have to deal with his mischievous kids. When her brother's out of town on business, one of his youngsters is accused of burning down a barn! Can she clear her nephew's name---with the help of a handsome deputy? Natalie Hall (Pretty Little Liars) and Greg Vaughn (General Hospital) lead an all-star cast that includes Oscar. nominee Sean Astin (Lord of The Rings Trilogy), JoBeth Williams (Private Practice), Charles Shaughnessy (The Nanny), and Ernest Borgnine (Dirty Dozen). Closed captions. Approx. 2.75 hours. 

The Christmas Miracle DVD
GT Media, October 2012
When a blinding blizzard blows in unexpectedly, a group of strangers is forced to take refuge in an abandoned church. Over the course of the evening, they must rely on one another to make it through. But what will it take for them to realize the holiday miracle they're experiencing? Dove approved. 92 minutes. 

The Christmas Pageant DVD
GT Media, October 2012
When Broadway director Vera Parks gets fired from yet another job, she reluctantly accepts a gig directing a small-town Christmas pageant. While she's outraged that her former fiance recommended her for the project, she begins to grow close to him and his daughter. Will love take center stage this holiday? Stars Melissa Gilbert and Robert Mailhouse. Dove approved. 87 minutes.

Christmas Comes to Canaan DVD
GT Media, October 2012
Desperate for his son Bobber to walk again, Daniel Burton hires the beautiful Briony Adair to help with his physical therapy. Briony fits in well with the family---except for Daniel's competitive daughter Sarah, who demands that she leave. Months later, Daniel is still thinking about Briony, but is she willing to give him a second chance? Dove approved (12+). 88 minutes. 

The Heart of Christmas DVD
Image Entertainment, September 2012
Based on a true story! Austin and Julie Locke are devastated when their young son, Dax, is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. But with courage and faith, they're determined to give him a joyful final Christmas---even if it's in October. And when the town learns of their plans, what happens next is miraculous! Dove approved. (PG.) 86 minutes. 


Christmas: God With Us
Jeremy Camp
Bec Records, September 2012
'Tis the sing-along season---so treat yourself to a catchy Christmas debut from Grammy nominee Jeremy Camp! Features "Jingle Bell Rock"; "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"; "Joy to the World"; "O Little Town of Bethlehem"; "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"; "Let It Snow"; "Mary, Did You Know?"; "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"; "Away in a Manger"; and the title track.

Joy
Steven Curtis Chapman
Provident, October 2012
Overcoming a season of despair, Steven Curtis Chapman offers a message of joy that will resonate throughout the holidays. Combining jazz and old-school influences with his signature style, he adds five originals to traditional classics. Includes "Joy to the World," "We Three Kings," "This Christmas Card," "Christmas in Kentucky," "I Am Joseph," "Christmas Kiss," "Christmas Time Again," and more.

Ultimate Christmas
Various Artists
Curb Records, September 2012
Ultimate Christmas is a charming twelve-song set of heartwarming hits from artists across the Christian music spectrum. Includes music from Randy Travis, Big Daddy Weave, Point of Grace, Nicole C. Mullen, Mark Schultz, and more.

Christmas With Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery
EMI, October 2012
Join American Idol winner and North Carolina native Scotty McCreery for a heartwarming Christmas collection! Featuring Scotty's trademark croon on a selection of Christmas favorites plus two original songs, Christmas with Scotty McCreery includes "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland," "O Holy Night," and more.

Joy to the World: A Christmas Collection
Lincoln Brewster
Provident, October 2012
Pairing his virtuoso guitar skills with his love of praise & worship, Lincoln's festive collection of Christmas classics makes a perfect stocking stuffer! Savor his inspiring performances of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"; "Little Drummer Boy"; "Silent Night"; "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"; "Do You Hear What I Hear?"; "Angels We Have Heard on High"; and more.

Heavenly Christmas
Jackie Evancho
Provident, October 2012
From the moment she stunned audiences on America's Got Talent, soprano child prodigy Jackie Evancho has enthralled audiences around the world. Continuing that tradition, her first full-length Christmas CD features "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "The First Noel," "Away in a Manger," "Believe," "White Christmas," "What Child Is This?" "Walking in the Air," "Ding Dong Merrily on High," and more.

Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy
Jason Gray
Centricity, September 2012
Offering a new perspective on the nativity, this inspired collection of Christmas classics introduces listeners to the ordinary people who participated in the greatest story ever told. Includes "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful"; "Christmas Is Coming"; "Rest (The Song of the Innkeeper)"; "Ave Maria"; "Man of Mercy"; "I Will Find a Way"; "O Holy Night"; "Christmas for Jesus"; and more.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Songs of Christmas
Various Artists
Benson Records, October 2012
If you're looking to buy a new Christmas album this year, make it this one! Packed with Yuletide classics and soon-to-be favorites, this merry collection from top artists includes "The Night Before Christmas" (Brandon Heath); "Deck the Halls" (Tenth Avenue North); "Come All Ye Faithful" (Casting Crowns); "The First Noel" (Third Day); "What Child Is This?" (Building 429); and more.

New Releases

I've Been Called Now What?
Adam Bond
Judson Press, December 2012
So, you've accepted a call to ministry. What next? This book anticipates the questions you ask after accepting the call to ministry: How do I discern the right ministry setting for me? Are pulpit preaching and parish ministry the only viable options? Should I go to a seminary or a Bible college? Should I be ordained - and if so, when? This resource casts an overview of the ministry landscape for a new minister at any stage of the journey, and recommends resources and traveling companions along the way.

Mornings With Jesus
Guideposts
Ideals Publishing, December 2012
Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee and one-on-one time with the Lord! Providing a year's worth of daily readings---and a place to jot reflections, prayers, memories, and hopes---this beautiful devotional and companion journal offer Scripture passages; meditations from Judy Baer, Tricia Goyer, and others; and practical applications. 384 and 160 pages respectively, hardcovers from Guideposts.

Still Lolo
Lauren Scruggs
Tyndale Momentum, November 2012
In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what.

Living the Proverbs: Insights for the Daily Grind
Charles Swindoll
Worthy Publishing, October 2012
We all have days when life's aggravations---both large and small---bring us to our wit's end. Where can we turn for help? The Book of Proverbs! Taking you through this timeless guide to godly living, Swindoll shows you how to deal with difficult people, resist temptation, handle finances, meet the challenges of marriage and parenting, and more. 304 pages, hardcover from Worthy.

A Year with Jesus
Eugene Peterson
NavPress, September 2012
Begin a yearlong journey with God by spending daily time in his Word and learning to speak the language of prayer! Walking through Jesus' stories in the Gospels of Matthew and John, Peterson's devotional features Scripture readings from The Message, short meditations, reflection questions, and application prayers plus room for your personal petitions or notes. 400 pages, hardcover from NavPress. 
    
Answering the Call (updated edition)
John Ensor
Hendrickson Publishing, September 2012
A life-affirming message for those who counsel couples facing an unplanned pregnancy. Encouraging you to reach out with compassion and sensitivity, Ensor offers updated scientific knowledge, practical applications, and theological insights to help you gently guide women to choose life, and prospective fathers to protect and provide for their children---especially those in the womb. 164 pages, softcover from Hendrickson.

A Wreath of Snow
Liz Curtis Higgs
WaterBrook Press, October 2012
Reluctantly returning home for the holidays, Meg Campbell receives a frosty reception from her family and decides to leave for Edinburgh. Delayed by a snowstorm, she pours out her heart to a secretly hurting traveler named Gordon, who asks all the right questions. Can they find healing in each other---and perhaps something more? 224 pages, hardcover from Waterbrook.

Once-A-Day Devotional for Teens
Zondervan, October 2012
Encourage teens to grow in Christ as they read, live, and pray guided by this youth-friendly devotional! Focusing on key verses from the yearlong reading plan in the Once-A-Day Bible for Teens, 365 reflections enrich young adults' understanding of God's Word, help them apply Scripture to their lives, and deepen their communication with God. 400 pages, softcover from Zondervan.