Mohler’s New Book Recaptures the ‘Glory of Christmas’

BRENTWOOD, TENN. — Every Christian knows the importance of Christmas, but often, we miss the wonder and the weightiness at the heart of our celebration. “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional” from R. Albert Mohler Jr. helps readers worship Christ more faithfully throughout the season.

Entering his fourth decade as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mohler has written numerous books, but “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” is his first devotional and first work dedicated solely to the birth of Jesus. Still, he sees this as a continuation of his theological writing.

“There’s nothing more gloriously theological than the truth that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” Mohler said. “I have reveled in the glory of Christmas, and I want to help Christians and Christian families recapture the glory of Christmas.”

The devotional leads readers through 25 theological truths each day of Advent, beginning on December 1 and culminating on Christmas Day. Mohler said he wrote “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” because he loves Christmas and wanted to provide others with a way to revel in the celebration of the incarnation. “There’s a sweetness to Christmas,” he said. “It’s so natural for little children to gather around and be told the story of Christmas over and over and over again.”

Mohler hopes the book brings light to a society he feels has become dark and secularized and distorts the significance and message of Christmas. This cultural confusion is an opportunity for Christians, Mohler said. “The world gets Christmas wrong, but you know what? It can’t get past the fact that Christmas is the great announcement of something,” he said. “We know what Christmas announces. We get to tell the story of Christ who is the crucified and risen Lord, the Lord over all, who was born a baby in Bethlehem. And we get to tell the story of how to recapture the glory of Christmas. That’s what the world is missing. They’re missing the glory.”

Mohler views the season as a great opportunity for Christians. “We need to seize on it,” he said. “I think churches and Christian families should embrace Christmas and recognize that we—in our humanity—need focal points. Christmas becomes one of those focal moments. This incredible festival of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us joy and hope.”

As the devotional goes through the days of December with reflections on Scripture, Mohler weaves in classic Christmas hymns because he felt the celebration is something that must be sung. “When we start talking about Christmas, sometimes we just need to sing. One of the best ways to recapture the glory of Christmas is to sing a great Christmas hymn,” he said.

Mohler said he hopes “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas” will add depth and structure for families to the Christmas season. “The book can frame their time together as a family, as they anticipate Christmas. For 25 days, the daily devotionals will help Christian families understand what it means to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Part of that means getting them ready for Christmas and doing so to the honor of Christ.”

Additionally, Mohler wrote the devotional to be used congregationally. “I’ve had several pastors who’ve spoken to me already about how they hope to use it,” he said. “They love the fact that they are able, in just a matter of days with their people, to walk through the great theological, biblical, incarnational glory of Christmas and the coming of Christ.”

For every reader, Mohler said he hopes the work is an encouragement undergirded with truth. “That’s the great thing about Christmas,” he said. “We have the greatest truth we could possibly tell. So, let’s tell it.”

For more information on “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas,” visit Lifeway.com.
View the media kit for “Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional.”

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Widely sought as a columnist and commentator, Dr. Mohler has been quoted in the nation’s leading newspapers, including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Dallas Morning News. He has also appeared on such national news programs as CNN’s “Larry King Live” and “AC360,” NBC’s “Today Show” and “Dateline NBC,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Dr. Mohler also hosts two podcasts: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He serves as the editor of WORLD Opinions, writing regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by the Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview. He is married to Mary, and they have two children, Katie and Christopher. Dr. and Mrs. Mohler are the proud grandparents to Benjamin, Henry, and Margaret, all born to Katie and her husband Riley.

In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, ongoing curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway receives no denominational funding and operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. Visit Lifeway.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Whitney Alexander, whitney.alexander@lifeway.com

Written by Aaron Earls, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources

AVAILABLE JANUARY 13, 2025

How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams takes the deep truths of the Christian faith and gives practical, actionable direction for sharing them with children.

What comes to mind when you think about teaching theological truths to children? Glazed eyes? Over-their-head discussions? Theology doesn’t have to be “too deep for kids.” For kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder.

A child’s faith is only as strong as the God they believe in. For their faith to be great, they need to learn about their great God. In each chapter, the authors diagnose problems that hinder leaders from teaching kids theology, explain principles to combat these problems, and suggest practices for applying these principles to your ministry.

• Equips Sunday School teachers, children’s ministry leaders, and parents to teach the theological truths that will be a foundation for a child’s growing faith in age-appropriate ways.
• Demystifies theology so readers are equipped to pass on to the next generation foundational truths about God.
• Authors with many years of experience in teaching children bring a fresh approach to timeless truths.

How to Teach Kids Theology
by Same Luce and Hunter Williams
January 13, 2025 / Retail Price: $18.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-485-4
Religion / Christian Ministry / Children

Sam Luce, MACCS, MABTS, is the Pastor of Global Ministries at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, where he has served for over twenty-six years. A prolific writer and speaker, he’s known for his influential contributions to children’s ministry and passion for fostering lasting faith in the next generation.  He is the coauthor of Forming Faith and How to Teach Kids Theology. Sam and his wife, Sandra, have four children.

Hunter Williams, BA, is the children’s pastor of Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN and cohost of the Cross Formed KidMin podcast. He has served in various ministry roles, including chaplain, youth pastor, and missionary with Awana. He has written articles for numerous ministries such as INCM, The Gospel Coalition and KidsMatter magazine and is the coautor of How to Teach Kids Theology. Hunter and his wife, Sammie, have four children and love serving in their local church.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com  

EUGENE, Ore., October 24, 2024—Past and present staff members, authors, designers, printers, and friends in the industry gathered to celebrate Harvest House Publishers’ golden anniversary in a special event held at First Baptist Church in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday, October 24.

Stan Jantz, former ECPA president and prolific Harvest House author, emceed the event. “What an honor it was to participate in the Harvest House 50th Anniversary celebration,” he said. “As a Harvest House author and coauthor for more than 25 years, I am deeply grateful for its vision to produce quality books that share the truth and love of God with the world.”

Bestselling authors Stormie Omartian and Abbie Halberstadt, specially selected to represent the company’s rich past and bright future, spoke to the hundreds in attendance.

When asked about the event, Omartian commented, “I just attended the fabulous 50^th anniversary celebration of Harvest House, my publisher for the last 40 of those years. It was great to see so many people from the past who have become lifetime friends.”

Halberstadt, a bestselling Harvest House author since 2022, remarked on the company’s mission as it moves forward into its next 50 years: “I’m so excited to be a part of the Harvest House family as we look to the future and the continued impact we can have for the kingdom of God.”

Bob Hawkins, Jr., president of the company for the last 33 years, closed out the evening with these words: “For 50 years, Harvest House has been incredibly blessed to publish and distribute thousands of books by gifted authors to the glory of God.

And now, we look forward with great enthusiasm in anticipation of the adventures that lie ahead. May we press on without compromise, proclaiming our Lord and Savior as the only answer to every human need.”

About Harvest House
Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Harvest House Publishers has produced books that have impacted the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Contact:  Jeff Marion, 541-343-0123, jeff.marion@harvesthousepublishers.com

Comic Book Style Bible Surpasses 3 Million Copies Sold 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 15, 2024—As the popularity of graphic novels continues to surge, David C Cook announced a new sales milestone that underscores the growing appeal for religious content with visual storytelling. The Christian publisher has sold more than 3 million copies of its comic book style Bible, The Action Bible, capturing the No. 1 spot for all Bibles sold on Amazon.

With its compelling format and vivid illustrations, The Action Bible reached No. 24 for all books sold on Amazon and has landed in Amazon’s and Bookscan’s Top 100 books for 11 weeks. Its more than 9,800 customer reviews average a 4.9-star rating (out of 5), and an increase in popularity and demand has led major retailers, including Target and Walmart, to stock the book in stores at a higher volume.

“The Action Bible resonates with new and existing believers alike,” said Brock Eastman, lead for The Action Bible brand at David C Cook. “It’s a welcoming, easy-to-follow introduction to the adventures of Scripture, and a unique and exciting adaptation of powerful stories that display the character of God. The Action Bible encourages a lifelong engagement with Scripture among young readers and their families.”   

The Action Bible brings the stories of the Bible to life with more than 230 engaging narratives and striking illustrations in a colorful format that is designed to resonate with readers of all ages. The original version, published in 2010, has sparked the spin-off of additional products, like The Action Bible: Faith in Action edition, which includes interactive elements like scannable QR codes that have resonated with younger consumers like Gen Alpha.

The Action Bible is available in more than 84 different languages–including American Sign Language, with video translators and actors–helping to reach new believers, young and old, across the globe in their heart languages.

High-resolution images of The Action Bible are available here.

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at davidccook.org.

CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

Peabody, MA—Hendrickson Publishers is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Maria Metzler (PhD, Harvard University) to the position of acquisitions editor. “We are delighted to add Maria to our Hendrickson team,” said Patricia Anders, Hendrickson’s editorial director. “Her wide range of interests, knowledge, and experience will greatly enhance our growing line of academic titles.” She joins Hannah Terenzoni, publishing director, and editors Dr. Jonathan G. Kline, Dr. Karen DeCrescenzo Lavery, and Dr. Robert A. Hand.

Dr. Metzler holds an MA in Biblical Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Harvard University. Before joining the team at Hendrickson, Dr. Metzler was an acquisitions editor at Penn State University Press, where she oversaw the distinguished Eisenbrauns imprint. She also served as managing editor for Muqarnas: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World and editorial assistant for Harvard Theological Review, The University of Chicago Press, and Stackpole Books. Dr. Metzler has taught courses at Harvard University, Smith College, and Swarthmore College. Her scholarly interests include Biblical Hebrew poetry, linguistics, Assyriology, animal and gender studies, affect theory, ancient dream interpretation, and archaeological and art historical approaches.

Dr. Metzler brings to Hendrickson a strong background in academic publishing and a reputation as a trusted editor among scholars in the field of biblical, ancient Near Eastern, and Islamic studies. “I look forward to working with a collaborative team of expert editors at Hendrickson,” said Dr. Metzler. “And I am excited to help shape the direction of the publishing program.”

About Hendrickson Publishers: Founded in 1980, Hendrickson seeks to meet the publication needs of the religious studies academic community worldwide with works on the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as well as the Hebrew and Greek languages, ancient Near Eastern studies and archaeology, biblical theology, Christology, Judaism, patristics, church history, historical theology, and religion and culture. Hendrickson also produces biblical/theological studies, language aids, and reference works for church leaders, students, and laypeople.

Media contact:  editorial@hendrickson.com; www.hendricksonpublishers.com

Carol Stream, IL (November 18, 2024)—In March, NavPress will release The Disciple’s Journey, a 12-week workbook designed for Christians seeking to integrate Jesus’ message into their modern lives. The creators of the popular Real-Life Discipleship resources structured this workbook with practical insights, tools, and applications to ensure transformational growth.

Through daily Scripture engagement and questions for deep reflection, The Disciple’s Journey explores biblical principles, specifically focusing on the book of Ephesians. It is the perfect resource to foster community engagement and is also good for personal use.

This comprehensive resource offers a structured pathway across five key spheres:

1. the Abiding Sphere (relationship with God)
2. the Church Sphere
3. the Home and Family Sphere
4. the World Sphere (including work)
5. the Spiritual Sphere (spiritual warfare)

Embark on a transformative journey of spiritual growth with The Disciple’s Journey, beginning in March 2025.

The Disciple’s Journey by Jim Putman
ISBN: 978-1-64158-875-1
Softcover: $20.99 | March 4, 2025
NavPress.com

NavPress is the book-publishing arm of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, ministry resources, and The Message^® Bibles, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.^® Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierengea@tyndale.com, 630-784-5211

November 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce that seven cover designs were chosen for the 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).

David Fassett, former Art and Creative Director at IVP, is credited with the designs for all seven award-winning covers. Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity, said, “David left a legacy of excellence in design at IVP, and we are grateful to ECPA for recognizing his tremendous work.”

During his time at IVP, Fassett said this about his design work: “I think a book cover should truthfully and clearly communicate the gist of the book in a way that is visually compelling with the goal of moving the intended reader to pick up the book (or click on it). The cover should also serve as a visual reminder of the experience that the reader had with the book.”

IVP’s 2024 Top Shelf Book Cover Award designs include:

• Creator: A Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1 by Peter J. Leithart
• Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible by D. Brent Sandy
• Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices by Terra McDaniel
• Lay Me in God’s Good Earth: A Christian Approach to Death and Burial by Kent Burreson and Beth Hoeltke
• Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief by Courtney Ellis
• Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield by Sean McGever
• The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer by Julie Lane-Gay

Covers are judged by top designers in the publishing industry for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution according to contemporary design standards and aesthetics. The Top Shelf Awards focus solely on these artistic and technical merits, without considering sales performance, reader engagement, or market reach.

Winners are officially announced and presented with an award at ECPA’s annual PubU event, where the industry’s design community gathers to learn and network. Winning book covers and judges’ comments are featured at TopShelfAward.org.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Good Book Company is pleased to announce that two books, Peace over Perfection, designer Drew McCall, and C is For Christian, illustrated by Emma Skerratt, have won 2024 ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards.

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President for Publishing, says, “We are delighted that the ECPA has recognized the gifts of these designers. It’s a joy to have such a talented young designer as Drew as part of our team here at TGBC and to partner with inspirational illustrators like Emma. They have both used their skillful artistic expression to make the content of these books come to life.”

The Top Shelf Book Cover Awards celebrate the year’s best book designs in Christian publishing. The judge awarded C is for Christian’s Emma Skerratt in the genre of children’s book design and said, “The nod to a classic fairy-tale book design works really well here. This concept makes it feel like an instant children’s classic. The illustrations are detailed and delicate.”

In the category of nonfiction, Peace over Perfection’s Drew McCall received the following compliment from the judge: “Everything delivers here—the abstract visual mirrors the title of imperfection, while the touches of lettering give this a sense of personal.”

Top designers in the publishing industry judge book covers for their merits in appropriateness for the market, level of conceptual thinking, and quality of execution according to contemporary design standards and aesthetics. The Top Shelf Awards focus solely on these artistic and technical merits.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

 

Lisa Victoria Fields, founder of the Jude 3 Project and author of When Faith Disappoints, offers a hopeful guide on what to do when a spiritual hero fails to live up to our expectations in When Heroes Fall.

Fields explores the thin line between admiration and worship and considers how to give space to grieve a hero’s fall, glean wisdom from a hero’s victories and failures, and ultimately learn how to focus hope on the only person who will not disappoint—Jesus.  The book is scheduled for publication by Multnomah in Spring 2026.

World rights were acquired by Kimberly Von Fange, Associate Editor, for the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, in a deal agented by Andrew Wolgemuth at Wolgemuth & Wilson.

Multnomah is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher of the newly formed PRH Christian Publishing Group (PRHCPG), announced the development of the PRH Christian Publishing Group Creative Services team to be headed by Creative Director Kristopher Orr, reporting to Wharton.

A 20-year veteran of PRH, Orr comes from the Random House Advertising Operations team where he was the Art Director responsible for the marketing assets for WaterBrook, Multnomah, Ink & Willow, Image, Forum, Convergent, Harmony, and Rodale imprints. Before his time with advertising operations, Orr spent 15 years creating book covers and marketing materials for the WaterBrook and Multnomah publishing program.

Orr is putting together a team that will handle book jackets, ad/promo materials, branding, and other creative needs. He will also be joining the management team where his entrepreneurial thinking and brand experience will be excellent additions to the business as PRHCPG charts a course for growth. Newly reporting to Orr will be Sonia Persad, Associate Director, Art/Design and Elizabeth Shapiro, Associate Designer, Cover Press.

PRH Christian Publishing Group includes WaterBrook, Multnomah, Ink & Willow, Forum, and Image imprints and is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC