|PIC1|Although summer is still in the air, many Christian artists are already jumping into Christmas projects, while some are preparing to release Christmas albums next month.

Legendary Christian artist Sandi Patty is in the ‘holiday spotlight’ again, following last year’s critically acclaimed Christmas album Yuletide Joy.

This year, Patty will star in a Christmas TV special entitled, “A Salute to the Armed Forces,” filmed at the Temple Square Conference Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah. The show is sponsored by the hunger relief organisation, “Feed The Children.”

In the concert, Patty will be performing ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Angels We Have Heard On High,’ and more, accompanied by the U.S Air Force Reserve Band.

Following the parade, Patty will kick off her Christmas tour on November 25 with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra in Toledo, Ohio.

|AD|Eight out of the scheduled 17 performances will be with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Maryland.

In addition to Patty’s Christmas plans, a line of Christian artists and bands are preparing to release Christmas albums and projects in the next two months.

Artists include Newsong (The Christmas Hope), Hillsong (Celebrating Christmas), Moya Brennan (An Irish Christmas), Third Day (Christmas Offerings), and Mary Mary (Mary Mary Christmas).

Last year’s major Christmas hit included MercyMe’s The Christmas Sessions, Steven Curtis Chapman’s All I Really Want for Christmas, and WOW Christmas Green by various artists. WOW Christmas Green was recorded by popular artists Avalon, Bethany Dillon, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Jump 5, Kutless, Matthew West, Rebecca St. James, Relient K, Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, tobyMac, ZoeGirl, Casting Crowns, Clay Aiken, FFH, Jars Of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Newsong, Joy Williams, Amy Grant, BarlowGirl, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Jaci Velasquez, Mark Schultz, Natalie Grant, Point Of Grace, Selah, and Third Day.