Here's what's happening TODAY in Christian music...

1. Last week MercyMe announced that they'll be releasing a much anticipated second Christmas album, this one titled MercyMe, It's Christmas! Now fans have had the chance to unwrap the cover, with the band sharing the image one puzzle piece at a time over social media. The cover features each of the guys holding stacks of gifts, which likely contain the new songs of Christmas cheer they're unveiling on October 9.

2. The Newsboys took the time to visit with a very special fan recently. The group partnered with Make A Wish Foundation to hang out with a young fan named Weston. The band shared a group photo on their facebook page.

3. Just in case you've ever wondered what it's like to be a rockstar, Manic Drive's got you covered. The band served as instructors at Camp Electric this summer, and shared the 3 Rules On Becoming a Rockstar from their class: Turn up to 11, Have great hair, and Practice, pizza, and practice some more. Sounds about right!

4. Festival season is always a little unpredictable, as Switchfoot was reminded when their bus broke down en route to Creation West this weekend. Fortunately they were able to make it in time, although their gear didn't! Fortunately, there was a Guitar Center on the way and plenty of other bands around to borrow from.

5. Show Hope, the organization founded by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman to aid and advocate for orphans, is celebrating the milestone of 5,000 different children helped into forever homes. And the 5,000th child just happens to be in the process of being adopted by Glenn and Wendy Drennan of Fireflight!

6. If you've been anxiously awaiting the upcoming return album from hard rockers in Pillar, they've shared where you'll be able to find it: the physical album will be available exclusively at Lifeway stores on August 18. The digital version will release three days later on the 21.

7. Sometimes when they get bored on the road, the Family Force 5 guys... paint? A facebook photo showed Crouton, Chapstique and Hollywood showing off their works of art. Crouton's was a particularly fuzzy rendering of Cookie Monster.

8. It look like Thousand Foot Krutch will be taking their infectious rock and roll sounds down under. The group will be touring in Australia and New Zealand this October, stopping by cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. You can find all the dates on their facebook page.
 
Quotes (3)

1. "My hope for God's work in my life is for people to see the reality of grace through all that I do. Not perfection or anything else, but simply that my life as imperfectly perfect as it is, will point people to a Jesus that loves the worst of us into a place where he uses us to change the world." - Manwell, Group 1 Crew

2. "We didn't earn grace from God, so why do we make others earn grace from us?" - Mike Donehey, Tenth Avenue North

3. "When the benches are empty and we're tucked away at home, may it be more than a melody that rings in our ears... Rather, may we know we're severely loved, and may we find true joy in living for Someone greater than ourselves." - for KING & COUNTRY

For more quotes from your favorite Christian artists, click here.