Multi award-winning artist and songwriter Matt Maher will release his holiday album, The Advent of Christmas (Essential Records/Provident Label Group) on October 19. A children's book of the same name will also release the same day with Wellspring Publishing, a division of Beacon Publishing.

The Advent of Christmas is Maher's first holiday album in his ten-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 shares. "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 October 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 much 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."

The Advent Of Christmas track listing: 

1. Gabriel's Message
2. He Shall Reign Forevermore
3. Born On That Day
4. Jingle Bells
5. The First Noel
6. Hope For Everyone
7. Glory (Let There Be Peace)
8. O Come Emmanuel
9. Always Carry You (feat. Amy Grant)
10. Love Came Down To Bethlehem 
11. Hark The Herald
12. Merry Little Christmas
13. When I Think Of Christmas

TOUR: Maher will headline the annual Bible Tour, which kicks off September 20 and runs through October 21. He will be joined by Natalie Grant, Andrew Peterson and more. Matt Maher wrapped up a sold-out multi-show tour "The Echoes of Worship" with Cory Asbury and 48 Live Productions last month and he will share the stage with Asbury again later this fall for five more shows in partnership with The Joy FM Florida (Radio Training Network) and Food for the Hungry. Maher will then hit the road with label mate Zach Williams for several dates in late October and into early November, and will participate in the Roadshow Christmas tour, which will kick off November 29 and run through December 16. Visit his tour page for the latest information. 

For more information, visit MattMaherMusic.com and his social links below.