Whatever your relationship status this Valentine’s Day – whether you are in a romantic relationship or being thankful for a lifelong friendship – we can all celebrate the love that brings us together this February 14^th!

Here are some of our favorite Christian songs to help fill the day with L-O-V-E.

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

Album: More To This Life (1989)

Favorite Lyrics: I will be true to the promise I have made; To you and to the One who gave you to me

Love Will Be Enough For Us by Brandon Heath

Album: Blue Mountain (2012)

Favorite Lyrics: We’ll build a little cabin on a really tall hill; Plant a little garden, pray for every meal; And we’ll grow and we’ll grow

When God Made You by NewSong & Natalie Grant

Album: More Life (2003)

Favorite Lyrics: I wonder what God was thinking; When He created you; I wonder if He knew everything I would need; Because He made all my dreams come true

Angel by Casting Crowns

Album: Come To The Well (2011)

Favorite Lyrics: You’re the proof that the Father answers prayers; ‘Cause somehow someway; You and I are standing here

Everything About You by Darlene Zschech

Album: Kiss of Heaven (2003)

Favorite Lyrics: You hold me in your arms; And once again, I know; That I’m the only one for you

Fallin In Love by Britt Nicole

Album: Britt Nicole (2016)

Favorite Lyrics: I’ve been thinking ’bout ya; Every second, day and night; Yep, it’s something I just can’t ignore

Look What Love Has Done by Jaci Velasquez

Album: Jaci Velasquez (1998)

Favorite Lyrics: And my heart is dancing through each day; My soul is running free; Look what Love has done to me.

A Page Is Turned by Bebo Norman

Album: Ten Thousand Days (1999)

Favorite Lyrics: Beneath the air of autumn, she took him by his hand; And warm within the ardor, she took his heart instead 

My One Safe Place by Andrew Peterson

Album: The Burning Edge Of Dawn (2015)

Favorite Lyrics: I believe in the love of the Father and / I believe in the power of grace / I believe that He brought us together and / You are my one safe place

This Is Love by for KING & COUNTRY

Album: Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. (2014)

Favorite Lyrics: I’m yours completely / No matter what comes our way / I’ll love you til the end of my days

Better Than Gold by Danny Gokey

Album: Hope In Front Of Me (2014)

Favorite Lyrics: She makes my world complete / She snuck right out of my dreams / I know she’s better than gold

More Than What I Wanted by CeCe Winans

Album: CeCe Winans (2001)

Favorite Lyrics: The search is over now I know You are the one / Somebody tell me / Where did an angel come from?

When You’re With Me by The Afters

Album: Live On Forever (2016)

Favorite Lyrics: The sun shines brighter when you are here / My heart beats louder and time just disappears / Everything is how it should be

Forever Yours by Michael W. Smith

Album: Wonder (2010)

Favorite Lyrics: Until forever, I’ll be forever yours / There is no other, I am forever yours

Meant To Be by JJ Heller

Album: Sound Of A Living Heart (2015)

Favorite Lyrics: When God made you / He already knew / That we were meant to be

For more Christian music inspiration, click here! 

The post We Pick… Christian Love Songs for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

We may have already said goodbye to 2017, but let us take a look back at the Christian music releases we loved most. From contemporary to country and everything in between – these are the albums of 2017 we wouldn’t want you to miss!

Lifer by MercyMe

The ninth album from Bart Millard and company finds the band at the top of their game. Lifer delivered a collection of inspiring pop and contemporary originals from the band – and fans were not disappointed. Songs such as “You Found Me” and “Grace Got You” ensured this album soared to the top of the Christian music charts. After listening to this album, it’s no surprise MercyMe took home so many awards at the 2017 Dove Awards – including Artist of the Year!

What we love most: The positive, energy-packed songs with strong messages of faith

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope by Reba McEntire

The country phenomenon that is Reba McEntire returned in 2017 with her 29th album! Sing It Now is a 2-CD set that blends her favorite hymns and Christian classics with a selection of uplifting new songs. Fans were wowed by her inspired renditions of “Oh Happy Day” and “How Great Thou Art”. McEntire also delighted us with an original number “I Got the Lord on my Side”. Don’t miss the album that saw Reba McEntire take home the 2017 Dove Award for Best Roots Gospel Album!

What we love most: The song co-written by Reba McEntire’s mom, Jackie – “I Got the Lord on My Side”

Chain Breaker by Zach Williams

The breakout solo debut from songwriter and worship leader Zach Williams is the southern rock album you are going to want to add to your music collection! Encouraging and uplifting compositions such as “Chain Breaker” and “My Liberty” won the Arkansas native lots of new fans and even secured him the 2017 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. We can’t wait to see what Zach Williams delivers next!

What we love most: The Arkansas native’s booming, gravelly voice on songs like “Survivor” and “So Good To Me”

The Garden by Kari Jobe

Worship leader and songwriter Kari Jobe returns with her first new album since the hugely successful Majestic in 2014. Loaded with vibrant new worship offerings, Jobe intertwines anthemic songs of praise with more reflective moments. “Heal Our Land” is an incredible song that reminds us of God’s presence even in the most painful moments. It’s simply brilliant from start to finish – a must-listen for any music lovers out there.

What we love most: Songs that speak to your heart and inspire you to seek God at all times

Out of the Dark by Mandisa

After a nearly 4-year hiatus from the studio, Mandisa returned in 2017 with her brand new album, Out of the Dark. The California native who first came to national attention under the spotlight of American Idol is known for her powerhouse vocals – and the new release does not disappoint. The inspirational lyrics of the Mandisa’s new release praise God’s boundless strength, grace, and love. A truly uplifting album!

What we love most: Mandisa’s powerful, expressive voice in Spirit-filled songs like “Bleed the Same”.

The Answer by Jeremy Camp

Since winning the New Artist Dove Award for his debut album, CCM singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp has been no stranger to success. Over the course of his 10 years in the business, Camp has released a dozen albums. His latest release aims to help listeners discover “The Answer” – Jesus. Fans of Jeremy Camp have been singing this album’s praises since it released in October – and it’s not hard to see why.

What we love most: Title track “The Answer” – the Christ-centered lyrics reassure us the He is our savior 

More top picks of 2017

Open Hands by Laura Story

On My Side by Kim Walker-Smith

Wonder by Hillsong UNITED

Here I Am, Send Me by Darlene Zschech

Unbreakable by Selah

There is a Cloud by Elevation Worship

Hymnal by David Phelps

Confío by Jaci Velasquez

Starlight by Bethel Music

Rise by Danny Gokey

After All These Years by Brian & Jenn Johnson

The post Best Christian Music 2017 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Happy listening!

Make Room – Casting Crowns 

This song comes from the brand new Christmas album by Casting Crowns, ‘It’s Finally Christmas’. We chose this as our song of the album as it asks a key question of us all at Christmas – is there room in your heart for God?

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Pentatonix

A capella vocal sensation Pentatonix are a Christmas favorite here at Christianbook.com! It’s hard to choose just one song from the incredible ‘A Pentatonix Christmas’ album, but ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ might just be our pick. It’s throughly impressive and something you just have to hear for yourself!

Light of the World – Lauren Daigle

An original song from Dove-winning singer and songwriter, Lauren Daigle, ‘Light of the World’ is simply beautiful. This song comes from Lauren’s first Christmas album, ‘Behold’ – with songs featuring jazz themes, all inspired by Lauren’s upbringing in New Orleans.

Dove-winning singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle offers her first Christmas collection, Behold. This reverent and jazzy collection draws from the sounds of Lauren’s New Orleans upbringing, and includes a selection of timeless Christmas classics alongside original song “Light of The World.”

Born is the King – Hillsong

This upbeat song always gets us in the mood to celebrate at Christmas! From the 2012 bestselling album, ‘We Have A Savior’, this song is a Hillsong original and, if it’s not already, will likely become a family favorite.

These Christmas Lights – Matt Redman

The title track from Matt Redman’s first Christmas album is must for your playlist! The entire album is inspired by Redman’s personal pilgrimage to Bethlehem with the song ‘These Christmas Lights’ centering on key Christian themes. Most importantly that God is the reason for the season.

To Be Together – Amy Grant

From Amy’s 2017 Dove Award-winning album, Tennessee Christmas comes the lovely ‘To Be Together’. A song all about being with friends, family and loved ones at Christmastime, this tune is sure to become a firm favorite.

We Three Kings – Tenth Avenue North

Tenth Avenue North’s brand new Christmas album, Decade The Halls is a wonderful musical journey through songs of past and present. Each song is set stylistically in a different decade, with our favorite, We Three Kings featuring a distinctly 70s feel. It’s the perfect way to inject Christmas cheer to your get-togethers!

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing – Meredith Andrews

Meredith Andrew’s upbeat version certainly brings this Christmas classic into 2017. From her brand new Christmas album Receive Our King, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing delivers the perfect message for Christmas… ‘Glory to the newborn King!’

More Songs to add to your playlist…

Casting Crowns – O Come All Ye Faithful

Unto Us – Matthew West 

The First Noel – tobyMAC (feat. Owl City)

Do You Hear What I Hear? – Third Day

Silent Night – Josh Groban

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Michael W. Smith

Christmastime Again – MercyMe

Joy To The World – Steven Curtis Chapman

O Little Town of Bethlehem – Gaither Vocal Band

Jingle Bell Rock – Jeremy Camp

Winter Wonderland – Alan Jackson

Go Tell It On The Mountain – Kirk Franklin

White Christmas – Hannah Kerr

Want some more Christmas music inspiration? Click here! 

The post Your Guide to a Christian Christmas Playlist appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

The most important awards night in Christian music – the 48th GMA Dove Awards – was recently held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Dove Awards celebrate the best of the best in Christian music of all genres, from CCM to worship, bringing together some of the biggest names in the business. In case you missed it, we thought we’d put together this handy guide to the big winners of the night – from first-time nominees to Christian music legends.

Song of the Year

“What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong

Songwriter of the Year

Bart Millard, MercyMe

Artist of the Year

MercyMe

New Artist of the Year

Zach Williams

Artist of the Year – CCM

Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year – Southern Gospel

Gaither Vocal Band

Artist of the Year – Gospel

CeCe Winans

Worship Song of the Year

What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong

Worship Album of the Year

Never Lose Sight by Chris Tomlin

Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year

HARDLOVE (feat. Lauren Daigle) by NEEDTOBREATHE

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

HARDLOVE by NEEDTOBREATHE

Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year

Eye of the Storm (feat. GabeReal) by Ryan Stevenson (Tie)

Chain Breaker by Zach Williams (Tie)

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

Lifer by MercyMe

Southern Gospel Song of the Year

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

Resurrection by Joseph Habedank

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of the Year

When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace by Nelons

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year

Sing it Now: Songs of Faith and Hope by Reba McEntire

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year

My World Needs You by Kirk Franklin

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year

Let Them Fall in Love by CeCe Winans

Traditional Gospel Song of the Year

Change Me by Tamela Mann

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

The Journey LIVE by Donnie McClurkin

Urban Worship Song of the Year

Joy by VaShawn Mitchell

Rap & Hip Hop Song of the Year

Oh Lord by NF

Rap & Hip Hop Album of the Year

The Waiting Room by Trip Lee

Spanish Language Album of the Year

Confio by Jaci Velasquez

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year

Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant

Long Form Video of the Year

Of Dirt & Grace by Hillsong United

Inspirational Film of the Year

The Shack

Want to see who was nominated for a Dove Award? Click here!

The post 48th GMA Dove Awards Winners appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Who knows… maybe you’ll even discover a movie you haven’t seen yet!

1. God’s Not Dead 2

“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with the world and be judged by God.”

– Grace Wesley

2. Do You Believe?

“You’ve got voices pulling you in all different directions. There’s only one voice that matters.”

– Little B

3. War Room

“Lord we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers, Lord that hate to be lukewarm. And will stand on your word above all else raise them up, Lord raise them up”

– Miss Clara

4. Facing the Giants

“What are you living for? I resolve to give God everything I’ve got, then I’ll leave the results up to Him. I want to know if you’ll join me.”

– Grant Taylor

5. The Shack

“When all you see is your pain, you lose sight of me.”

– Jesus

6. Unconditional

“What if God’s love is like the sun, constant and unchanging. What if you wake up some day and realize nothing can take that away.”

– Samantha Crawford

7. Courageous

“It’s time to rise up and answer the call that God has given to you and to say I will. I will. I will!”

– Adam Mitchell

8. I’m Not Ashamed

“Well, people aren’t gonna accept us for our faith. But it’s okay. We have to love and serve them anyways. And I’m talking compassion, forgiveness. I mean if we don’t, what’s gonna attract them to God?”

– Rachel Joy Scott

9. God’s Not Dead

“God’s good all the time. And all the time, God is good.”

– Pastor Dave

10. The Case for Christ

“In his time and in his way, God always keeps his promises.”

– Alfie

11. Priceless

“There is a God who knows exactly what you’re worth”

– James

12. Woodlawn

“I’m asking you to stand up, to make a decision, to change, to forgive, and to be forgiven”

– Hank

13. Miracles from Heaven

“Faith is the only true shelter”

– Pastor

14. All Saints

“I swore an oath as a Christian… to care for the least of these”

– Michael Spurlock

15. Love Comes Softly

“The truth of God’s love is not that he allows bad things to happen. It’s His promise that He’ll be here with us when they do.”

– Clark Davis

16. Chariots of Fire

“Jesus said, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.” If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”

– Eric Liddell

Looking for your next great Christian Movie? Click her to browse our DVD store. 

The post 16 Inspirational Movie Quotes About Faith appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Oh, our favorite awards night of the year is fast approaching and we couldn’t be any more excited! The 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards is set to take place in Nashville on October 17, and the list of nominees is spectacular.

Each year the Dove Awards celebrates the best of Christian music – from gospel to urban and contemporary. Make sure you tune in on October 17 to see who takes home the awards! In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the category nominees…

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
MercyMe
TobyMac

SONG OF THE YEAR

Chain Breaker – Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Zach Williams
Come Alive (Dry Bones) – Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren
Even If – Bart Millard, Ben Glover, Crystal Lewis, David Garcia, Tim Timmons
Eye Of The Storm –  Bryan Fowler, Ryan Stevenson
Feel Invincible – John Cooper, Seth Mosley
Great Are You Lord –  David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan
King Of The World – Sam Mizell, Becca Mizell, Natalie Grant
O Come To The Altar – Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, Wade Joye
The Lion & The Lamb – Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, Leeland Mooring
Thy Will – Bernie Herms, Emily Lynn Weisband, Hillary Scott
What a Beautiful Name –  Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Bart Millard
Chris Tomlin
Hillary Scott
Kirk Franklin
Lauren Daigle

CCM ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Casting Crowns
Danny Gokey
Kari Jobe
NEEDTOBREATHE
Zach Williams

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Joey + Rory
David Phelps
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Karen Peck & New River

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

CeCe Winans
Kirk Franklin
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Travis Greene

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bri (Brianna Babineaux)
Micah Tyler
Social Club Misfits
Steven Malcolm
Zach Williams

INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR

Ben-Hur
The Case For Christ
I’m Not Ashamed
Priceless
The Shack

Who are your top picks to win the Dove Awards?

The post The 2017 Dove Awards Nominees appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

If you’re planning a wedding, choosing music to set the mood for your day can be a difficult task. There are so many love songs out there, but we thought we’d take a look at some of the Christian tunes perfect for your big day.

From the recessional to the reception, these songs are to help your faith to shine through on your wedding day.

When I Say I Do by Matthew West

‘There must be a God / I believe it’s true / Cause I can see His love / when I look at you’ 

When God made You by Newsong & Natalie Grant

‘…now that I have found you I believe / that a miracle has come / when God sends the perfect one’

Love Remains by Hillary Scott

‘A boy moves on take a bride / And she stands faithful by his side / Through tears and sweat / They build a home / And raise a family of their own’

I Promise by CeCe Winans

‘I will love you faithfully, forever unconditionally / And my love I promise / Everything I have is yours / You’re everything I prayed and waited for / And my love I promise you’

My Beloved by Kari Jobe

‘You’re my beloved, you’re my bride / To sing over you is my delight / Come away with me my love’

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

‘I will be true to the promise I have made / To you and to the One who gave you to me’

Your Love Broke Through by Rebecca St James

Made to Love by TobyMac

At Last by Etta James

Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

Looking for more inspiration for your wedding day? Click here for our wedding store!

The post 11 Christian Songs for Weddings appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

COMPETITION CLOSED // Fans of Steven Curtis Chapman won’t want to miss this! We have signed copies of his new book, Between Heaven & the Real World: My Story to giveaway to 5 people. It will make the perfect little addition for your book collection, or perhaps a great gift for a loved one.

The memoir is an incredible read that takes an exclusive look into Steven’s childhood and challenging family dynamic growing up, how that led to music and early days on the road, his wild ride to the top of the charts, his relationship with wife Mary Beth, and the growth of their family through births and adoptions. In addition to inside stories from his days of youth to his notable career, including the background to some of his best-loved songs, readers will walk with Steven down the devastating road of loss after the tragic death of five-year-old daughter Maria. They’ll then experience his incredible return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life’s toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in this life. This backstage look at the down-to-earth superstar they’ve come to love will touch fans’ lives and fill their hearts with hope.

Want to know how you could win? It’s simple: 

1. Visit our Facebook Page
2. Like the Steven Curtis Chapman giveaway post
3. Click the link included in the Facebook post to complete the entry form on our website
4. That’s all!

Entries close Monday 22nd May, 5pm EDT – click here for full terms and conditions. 

Want to know more about Between Heaven & the Real World: My Story – click here to see more. 

The post WIN // Steven Curtis Chapman’s New Book! appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Texas-based band, MercyMe has been a household name since the breakout indie-rock hit, “I Can Only Imagine” in 1999. Today, their signature blend of engaging melodies, inspiring lyrics, and soul-stirring music pleases the ears of listeners world-wide. Their contributions of the CCM and worship community have also led to Platinum and Gold Certifications from the RIAA, plus enough Dove, AMA, ASCAP, and Billboard awards to fill any mantle.

While the band’s earlier music poetically addressed the themes of comfort and healing, 2014’s Welcome To The New saw a change of pace for the five-piece who focused on a new theme; Joy. Applying their songwriting gifts to musical celebrations, Bart Millard and company added flavors of jazz, R&B, pop, and Gospel to a collection of contagiously fun and uplifting original songs…and now, they’re back!

In the highly-anticipated new album, Lifer, MercyMe write about what it means to live out faith as a “lifer” in the kingdom of God. The powerful first single from the album, “Even If” – a song dedicated to Millard’s teenage son – is already tearing up the charts. The song is a reminder that even when life seems difficult, God is still good.

“My son Sam is 15 years old, and he’s been a diabetic since he was two. When you’re a parent of a child with any kind of chronic illness, these things don’t go away. You have a lot of good days, but some days you feel like you’re losing bad. I was in the midst of one of those bad days when ‘Even If‘ was written. This song is a reminder to people in these difficult situations that don’t seem to go away. God was worthy long before any of these circumstances even showed up. It’s a foundation that was built long before those difficulties came to be. This song is a declaration to God that even if He went silent and never said another word, He’s still worthy to be praised, and He’s our greatest hope in the midst of the trial.”

The album features soaring songs of victory, perseverance, and gratitude coupled with the bands signature theme of optimism and enthusiasm. Lifer is one of those albums you just want to listen to from start to finish (and over again). If we have to choose, the standout tunes for us are  “We Win” and “Hello Beautiful”.

We really can’t say more good things about this album – grab a copy, your ears will thank you!

Lifer from MercyMe is now available for purchase here. 

The post Featured Artist | MercyMe appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Looking for a heartwarming tale of love? Well, aren’t we all! Why not kick things off with a trip to the early 1900s with family favorite TV series When Calls the Heart. But, if you’re not a fan of the historical stuff, fear not. Keep things contemporary with the latest from Karen Kingsbury – The Bridge: The Complete Story.  And last but not least comes The Ultimate Gift. A classic love story that is bound to warm the very cockles of your heart!

Flicks for the kids? Have we got just the movies for you! First up, for some extremely fun viewing, the VeggieTales Triple Feature or Owlegories — we really don’t think you can go wrong with either. Both are sure to please the kids and are full of faith-based messages! Finally, we have perhaps one of the most well-loved Christian movies of all-time –The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This is an absolute no-brainer for keeping the kids entertained. Extra bonus if it is (still!) snowing outside… you’ll feel like you’ve traveled all the way to Narnia!

Feel like something inspirational? This was such a hard category to narrow down – but we absolutely have to include War Room. This is a movie that will leave you changed, and is bound to help you strengthen your prayer life. Next up on our list is Unconditional. A movie that is time and time again at the top of people’s must-see Christian movies list. You may have already seen it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch it again. And again. And again (if you’re anything like us). Finally, why not challenge yourself to a double feature of God’s Not Dead 1 & God’s Not Dead 2! Let us warn you in advance, all of these movies are real tear-jerkers. So, grab those tissues!

HAPPY VIEWING!

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