An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story

by Rachel Billups

Expect the unexpected this Christmas.

This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.

Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Rachel Billups.

Genres: Faith, Christmas, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it a bit different than the typical Advent studies but so relevant today

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the idea of reading about the less focused on people in the Nativity story. Unfortunately, this book was not focused as much on them as I'd anticipated and was a higher percentage of personal stories or other Biblical stories. Some were more relevant than others. Each chapter had parts that really got into good stuff and were very thought-provoking. It seemed like what I perceived as the most relevant parts were not the same as the author's. Overall, I would potentially recommend this to a women's Bible study group looking for a light read but not more than that. There were some inorganic insertions of more politicized topics that I wouldn't have minded if they fit better with the topics and felt more natural rather than interjected just to make a statement.

I appreciate the author's time in writing this and we did have good discussions regarding some of her points, so it was not a failure.

[Wendy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

We studied this book for Sunday School class and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Leading three weeks of the lessons, I found the leader’s guide very helpful and we all enjoyed the short videos each week. I used this book almost as a devotional throughout the season and appreciated the great insights into the nativity and how it can apply to my life. This is the first book I have taught/read by this author, but I certainly hope it will not be the last.

[Kerrie Highley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sunday school class read and discussed this book during Advent this past Christmas season. It was refreshing to discuss some of the lesser known people who were at the first Christmas. I was challenged to think about why these people are in the Christmas story to begin with. What was God telling us by using these people? I really enjoyed the discussion in our group and felt like I learned a lot. This is a good book that covers a different perspective.

[Floyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read the book for bible-book study at church for advent this year 2023. I had a very hard time getting into the book. An if a good doesn’t have my attention I normally stop reading it. The book is what I can very dry and I didn’t fine any thing from her story relevant to the other characters of advent. Would I ever read an other book of this author probably not. But each to their own!

[Richard or Lynne Tyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome thought generating study!

Absolutely eye opening study/perspective of Christ birth from the main characters. Every year the studies seem to say the same thing with different words. These are protagonists we don't investigate enough. Look forward to reading another of her books or study.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our church conducted a Bible study for 4 Tuesday evenings in Advent using this book and related DVDs and leader materials.
We enjoyed lots of discussion during out 1 1/2 hour classes. These evening study sessions brought together people from the traditional church service, the modern church service, and young people who were able to participate because child care was available during this time.

[Deborah Bolster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different view on the nativity

I enjoyed thinking about the supporting characters a little differently. I also liked the perspective of taking time to understand others points of view and what they need i.e. going the extra mile. The book could have been edited a little better but I try loved the message! Recommend!!

[Gary Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book for an Advent book study. although not a deep theological writing, it helps to recognize God in the ordinary. The ordinary people, unlikely people, everyday events. A good experience during the Advent season. Billups does a great job recognizing the unlikely characters at the Christmas story and in that God's everyday presence in our ordinary lives.

[Priscella McMann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was done and read as an advent study. It is one of the best advent study books I have read and done. It is one I will definitely keep and even review and reread. It definitely brought to my attention so many things that I just never realized or thought about being content with how the birth of Jesus was presented to me when I was growing up. So glad this study book was introduced to me.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my bible study group. The author does a giving the reader a different take on the Advent stories by focusing on unique characters and situations. I felt like like the author jumped around a bit with the various stories in each chapter but overall the themes came together. It was an enjoyable read with some good reminders for savoring the joys if the Christmas season.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my churchs' advent bible study. I found it to be very interesting and a different spin on the story of Jesus birth. Unlikely "characters which should perhaps be in the nativity scene (such as King Herod) or not as they are part of the story of the birth of Christ.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has some thought provoking discussions about some of the lesser thought-of characters in the nativity story. For me, the biggest takeaway is that God came to as Jesus, no matter who we are or where we are. He came for everybody and is everybody’s God.

[Linda Cirillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the others in the advent story, the unsung. The magi, the shepherds, Elizabeth and Zechariah. Well done, and a great study guide for the advent season.

[Jennifer Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely read for the season. The world needs more Dorcas’.

[Laura Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short read was a perfect ways to prepare my heart for Christmas. Why did God include those magi and those shepherds anyway?! A fresh look at the nativity within our hearts and homes.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting guide of other characters in the Christmas story.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some nuggets for reflecting on our own waiting for God to appear, especially in ordinary events if our eyes are open.

[Rebecca Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study book. I always like looking at the Bible and Bible stories from a new perspective.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out strong but waned a little bit with each chapter and started to feel a little bit disjointed by the end.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look at parts of the Xmas story that we take for granted. I never thought about the three kings or the shepherds. Her personal stories really made the book

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this quick read. It was a bit repetitive but not annoyingly so. I liked the emphasid quotes throughout, that helps me refocus and keep the message front and center.

[Debbie Babbage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful study with video. The chapter on King Herod stuck out to me the most. I recommend this for any small group study.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good message: God is with us every day—see Him.

Kind of said this repeatedly. That was the book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did this study with a group from my church and really enjoyed it.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thoughtful text.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is this book will make you think, make you reflect and make you want to keep reading.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sunday School class completed this Advent study. I liked looking at the unlikely characters of the Christmas story.

[Efox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our church's advent book club book this year. Not going to lie, it was a rough Advent season at our house, and I wasn't really feeling the vibe of this book when I first cracked it open, but after finishing the first week, reading about Zachariah and Elizabeth, and rounding into Herod, I started to really appreciate the broader look outside Mary, Joseph, and the baby at what the supporting characters in the Nativity can tell us about living a faithful life and God's work in the world.

I really loved the each chapter was a week, and for me, the magi and Herod were the best chapters. Would absolutely pick up for a re-read in the future.