Rusty Benson
AFA Journal associate editor
Above, the Gettys from Joy, an Irish Christmas, LIVE
November 2015 – Let there be no doubt why Keith and Kristyn Getty, the Irish hymn writers, perform in venues as prestigious as Carnegie Hall in New York and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Their songs and musical gifts have earned it, and Joy, an Irish Christmas LIVE proves it.
Sharing the stage with other world-class musicians, the Gettys offer a new DVD and CD documenting their fourth annual Christmas concert tour. Songs include new arrangements of traditional carols and original compositions that feature traditional Irish instruments and dance, and blend influences from Celtic, bluegrass, Americana, classical, and choral music.
But the centerpiece of Joy, an Irish Christmas LIVE is not the note perfect performance. Rather, it is the celebration of God
coming to earth as a man. That focus is only enhanced by the obvious delight with which the artists offer their talents.
Joy, an Irish Christmas LIVE is available in music outlets everywhere on CD, as a digital download, or on DVD. For a 2015 Christmas tour schedule, visit GettyMusic.com/Christmas. 
Despite its generic title, Traditional Christmas Hymns Revisited is anything but common.
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles, bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church International, has blessed believers of every stripe with 16 Christmas devotions, each based on a Christmas hymn.
As the book’s foreword says, “The author takes us beyond the sentimental and emotional to the spiritual reality of salvation manifested in the person of the Savior Christ our Lord … .” The result is a rich volume that weaves Scripture into the history and lyrics of the songs, and lifts the reader to a greater love and awe for Christ and His gospel.
A better personal devotional in preparation to celebrate the incarnation would be hard to imagine.
Traditional Christmas Hymns Revisited is available at major online booksellers. 
Originally reviewed in the December 2013 issue of AFA Journal, Max Lucado’s Christmas Candle is a Christmas movie the family can enjoy together.
The story is set in 19th century Gladbury, England, where legend says that every 25 years an angel visits the village candle maker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights that Christmas candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve.
From the earlier AFAJ review: “Themes that permeate the story line include the value of traditions, hope, tolerance for others’ views, humility, and the necessity for perseverance.” Christmas Candle is available at afastore.net.
