Two holiday books are now available from Westminster John Knox Press. Evoking the beauty and importance of the season, Names for the Messiah and Songs for the Waiting allow the reader to experience Advent and Christmas in a new way.

Christians have claimed from the beginning that Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Best-selling author Walter Brueggemann examines the four royal titles given in Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Names for the Messiah explores how Christians interpret Jesus and whether or not he fulfilled those titles. Click here to read an excerpt from Names for the Messiah.

Advent is a time of resting, praying, and seeking. We often try to fast-forward to Christmas, skipping over the beautiful hymns of Advent in order to get to our beloved carols. Magrey deVega encourages us to slow down and reflect on the messages embedded in these often overlooked hymns of the season, including “Prepare the Way of the Lord” and “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” Click here to read an excerpt from Songs for the Waiting.

Names for the Messiah and Songs for the Waiting are available for purchase through Westminster John Knox Press and other major retailers.