Christmas Shopping

It seems like every day at the moment that my inbox gets filled with emails about Christmas presents. Pretty much any company I’ve ever bought anything off has got in touch to let me know just what I should be buying my nearest and dearest this year.

Well this got me thinking… what are we going to be buying people this year (if anything)? Will it be stuff they want or just whatever we can get our hands on that’s half-decent and won’t break the bank? Will it improve there lives?

You might have other Christians in your friends and family, or you might not. But how’s this for an idea…what if we were a bit more intentional with our gifts this year? Maybe we could use the opportunity to bless someone with something that will encourage their faith – or maybe even stimulate it for the first time? It could be books, CDs, DVDs whatever. Music’s normally a winner so I thought i’d give you a few suggestions in that area…

John Mark McMillan – The Medicine

Friend of reach and all round awesome guy John Mark McMillan released his third album, The Medicine, last year. It’s ace. Musically it’s great, especially if you like your guitars, but I think his lyrics are just amazing. He’s clever and original and by avoiding all the standard Chrsitian clichés he makes you actually take notice of what he’s saying and process what that might actually mean. It’s a great album and would make an excellent present. You can listen to some tracks here. Do it now!

Kristene Mueller – Those Who Dream.

A gorgeous album from one of the Bethel worship leaders. Even though it’s obviously Christian, it’s not a ‘worship album’ per se and stand on its own two feet musically in terms of being a record that’s both chilled/reflective and uplifting at the same time. And her voice is simply stunning, especially on St. Francis. I’ve got a copy and I’m buying one for my mum! Head to her myspace for a sample.

Mute Math – Reset EP.

Mute Math have just released their 2nd full-length studio album, Armistice, but I can heartily recommend getting your hands on a copy of their debut EP if you can. They are genuinely one of my favourite bands and I think they manage to balance being Christians and making actually good music better than most. Reset is inventive whilst remaining accessible and references Christian themes without being in any way preachy or ‘churchy’ – perfect for non-Christian siblings for example. If you can’t get your hands on Reset then MuteMath or Armistice would make equally great presents. Check out www.mutemath.com for the full story!

Misty Edwards – Relentless.

Now I know even the very thought of “worship music” sends shudders down some people’s spines, but regardless of it’s relatively uncool reputation I have found myself really blessed by worship albums both over the years and still today. This album is great. Misty’s straight out of IHOP so all the songs come out of that place of prayer and intercession – a definite recipe for success in my mind. It’s passionate, gutsy (with some flowery, girly moments sneaking in towards the end) and has some genuinely brilliant worships songs on there including Finally I Surrender and My Soul Longs For You. Have a listen! So if you know someone whose probably been listening to that Matt Redman CD for a little too long then get involved with this – they’ll love it.

Got any better suggestions? Think these are rubbish? Leave a comment and put me in my place!!

Website of the Week – RELEVANT Magazine.

Relevant Magazine: God. Life. Progressive Culture. (as they put it)

This website is ace. In fact I haven’t even had a chance to find out just how good it’s going to be yet because I couldn’t wait to post it on here.

It’s got everything you’d expect from a “relevant” Christian website – there are artciles about Christian living in contemporary society, media content, forums etc etc. But there’s one big difference, the stuff on here is actually good (and consequently “relevant”)! For example, take music. Not only do they have videos and reviews of  “Christian” stuff but to good “non-Christian” stuff too because, you know, it’s what people are actually listening to. But culture doesn’t stop with music so they have film and technology features up there too (among other things). I really like the ‘Life’ section. It’s got articles about issues that, as Christians, we need to be a lot more clued up on – health care, evolution, politics and news in general.  I’m looking forward to reading a few. (But bear in mind it is American so the news and stuff will be American. But hey, they gave us Chuck Norris so we can probably have a bit of grace for them right?)

So make sure you check it out, and let me know if you find anything particularly good – www.relevantmagazine.com

In other news, I think it’s important to make sure that everybody has seen this: