Thursday, December 15th, 2022
Asheritah Ciuciu
Most Christians agree that Christmas is all about Jesus, yet most of us spend little time preparing our hearts to celebrate Him. Why is this? Partly because we don’t know how. In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week: Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week's name of Jesus Includes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. By focusing on the person and character of Jesus throughout the Advent season, readers will prepare their hearts so that when they admire the live nativity, sit in the candlelight service, or wake up on Christian morning, they can join the faithful who sing from the bottom of their hearts, "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" http://asheritah.com

Selah
With more than half-a-billion streams, over 4 million albums sold, and 11 GMA Dove Awards to their credit, Selah’s Allan Hall, Amy Perry and Todd Smith have earned a reputation for not only delivering compelling new anthems but also for reviving great hymns of faith. With their soaring harmonies and distinctive lead vocals, they have breathed new life into timeless musical treasures that have ministered to believers for generations. They have also populated culture with such enduring hits as “Press On,” “Wonderful, Merciful Savior,” “You Raise Me Up,” “Hope of the Broken World” and “All My Praise.” The members of Selah are so grateful to hear how God has used their music to impact others, and they treasure the times when fans share that with them. “We get letters and emails and people telling us after shows that they’ve let us into some of their darkest moments and I think it’s because we aren’t afraid to sing about hard things,” Hall says. “Sometimes, people tell us that while their loved ones were dying of cancer they were singing our songs to them as they were passing. Words can’t describe how that makes me feel. To be let into those moments and for us to have that privilege - that God has let us take the gift of music and share it and do something that could help someone - is special.” Sharing the gospel and encouraging believers has become a way of life, and they are grateful for the opportunity to serve. “One thing I always go back to is hope,” Smith says with a smile. “Hope has always been a big theme in our music and hope is a big theme of this album. When you look back at history, God brought people through the Bubonic Plague. God brought us through a Civil War. God brought us through WWI. God brought us through the Depression. He brought us through WWII. If you look back at all the times in your life where you felt overwhelmed, there’s still always hope. He always carries you through, and these songs are a reminder that you matter and that God is working. He is bringing you along into His story.” http://selahonline.com