There are multiple names given to Jesus in the Bible. Fifty of them are presented in this book, Names for Jesus. In the ancient world, a name had a meaning; in this book's entries one can discover the meaning of a name for Jesus, which often indicates one of his functions as understood by a biblical author. Often, both religious and spiritual people look for some reading material that will guide them through the Advent and Christmas seasons. Here is an ecumenical approach; this book is general enough for any Christian. Each of the entries consists of five parts: 1) the name; 2) a short quotation from Scripture, which contains the name given in the title; 3) a reflection exploring the meaning of the name; 4) a journal/meditation section to help the reader make connections between the reflection and his or her own life; and 5) a short prayer. Anyone can finish the spiritual journey of Advent and Christmas enriched for having spent time with Names for Jesus. ""I have studied the scripture for many years, mostly from a rational, exegetical perspective. This book takes the exegetical and transforms it into a spiritual practice in five parts. This book is a breath of fresh air and is incredibly helpful; everyone should be able to find fifteen minutes in their busy lives to reflect on the names of Jesus. This book will guide each us in this process."" --Vernon Meyer, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ ""In Names for Jesus, Boyer's expertise in critical and rational thought wonderfully elucidates many of the names for Jesus in the Bible leading the reader to deeper understanding. Boyer's mastery of facilitating spiritual experience through the use of scripture, reflections, prayers, and meditation guides readers to meet with the divine during Advent and Christmas or any time of the year."" --Matthew Ver Miller, Licensed Psychologist and Board-Certified Coach, Rocky Mountain Professional Counseling ""Mark Boyer's Names for Jesus offers a spiritual banquet. In addition to convenient historical and spiritual settings for each entry, the author provides a plethora of titles for the Savior, illustrating how Jesus adapts himself to meet us in every human circumstance. Boyer reminds the reader that Jesus is intimately familiar with all our human struggles and meets us where we are--in joy or in sorrow--eager and willing to be our companion and savior in all the vicissitudes of life. A genuinely resourceful book, worth pondering prayerfully "" --Pauline Nugent, Professor of Classics and Hebrew, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Missouri State University Mark G. Boyer--well-known author and college instructor--has been writing books on biblical and liturgical spirituality for thirty years. He has written fifty-three spirituality-focused volumes that prompt the reader to recognize the divine in daily life. Boyer has taught courses in Bible and film at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, for almost thirty years. This is his thirteenth Wipf and Stock title.
