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Matt Maher to release 'The Advent of Christmas,' his first holiday collection of songs

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Mon, Sep 17th 2018 04:00 pm
Album includes originals and traditional favorites, all devoted to four weeks leading up to Christmas; Maher will also debut his first children's book of the same name the same day
Award-winning artist and songwriter Matt Maher will release his holiday album, "The Advent of Christmas" (Essential Records/Provident Label Group) on Oct. 19. A children's book of the same name will release the same day with Wellspring Publishing, a division of Beacon Publishing.
"The Advent of Christmas" is Maher's first holiday album in his 10-year recording career. With this 13-song collection, encompassing both originals and traditional favorites, it is his hope that they will help the listener prepare for and better appreciate the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas day. 
"From the very beginning and through the history of Christianity, the season of Advent has been a way of remembering (more fully) the mystery of God becoming human," Maher said. "Long before the Macy's Day Parade, red Starbucks cups and 'The Elf on a Shelf,' Christians marked the passage of time in the four weeks before Christmas by remembering and embracing the sense of anticipation around the arrival of the promised Messiah; to prepare for the coming of Jesus. When you have relatives and friends coming for the holidays, you try to take time to get ready. The whole point is to prepare. I wanted to have a collection of songs - some that are familiar and many that are new - that prepare us for the four weeks of Advent and how each week is devoted to the concepts of hope, peace, joy and love."
Maher will also release his first children's book, "The Advent of Christmas," on Oct. 19. The picture book, targeted for children and their families, shares of the spiritual meaning of Advent and teaches the meaning of each Advent candle. The book also explores more than presents and Santa; children will learn the story of the birth of Jesus and why Christmas truly is "the most wonderful time of the year."
Since his 2008 major label debut, Maher has become a staple in the artistic and songwriting community. A nine-time Grammy nominee and three time-GMA Dove Award winner, he has garnered multiple radio successes, writing and recording songs such as his Top 5 CCLI song "Lord, I Need You" and the chart-topping radio single "Because He Lives (Amen)." Along with other hits such as "Hold Us Together," "Christ Is Risen," "All The People Said Amen," and "Your Grace Is Enough," Maher has written / co-written five No. 1 radio singles. Penning numerous songs recorded by Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Matt Redman, Hillsong, Casting Crowns, Meredith Andrews, Jesus Culture, Jars of Clay and Passion, he's had multiple titles on the CCLI chart's Top 500 list. With career album sales of more than 550,000 units to date, Maher was awarded his first RIAA Gold certification for his popular single "Lord, I Need You" in 2015. He's released nine studio albums, his latest titled "Echoes," which released fall 2017.
Maher achieved a career highlight in 2013 when he performed for Pope Francis and a crowd of 3 million people for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. Two years later, he performed again for the pope in downtown Philadelphia as part of the World Meeting of Families, appearing along with The Fray, Aretha Franklin, Juanes, Jim Gaffigan and Mark Wahlberg, among others. Maher also recently joined the elite group of musicians and artists as an official Steinway Artist.
Since 2006, Maher has been on the road headlining his own tours and performing at major Catholic events, such as World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia with Pope Francis in attendance. Maher has also participated in the industry's biggest tours and festivals, such as the "Worship Night In America" with Chris Tomlin, the "Rock & Worship Roadshow," and TobyMac's "Hits Deep Tour."
Maher is preparing for his own headlining tour through the fall and during the Christmas season. For more information, visit MattMaherMusic.com.

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