The Extra Ordinary Christmas

by Wade Webster

What was it about Joseph and Mary that set them apart from everybody else? Why were the shepherds in that particular field picked to hear the angels glorifying God? Why did God choose Zacharias and Elizabeth to be the parents of the forerunner of the Messiah? What made them so special? Nothing, they were the most ordinary people God had to choose from to unfold His redemption plan to the world. You see, that’s the way God works. He uses normal folks to do His incredible assignments. The little towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth hold surprises as well as a shock that display why Jesus came to earth for us. Join me in sharing their stories as we walk alongside them and learn lessons that will benefit us today. Don’t be surprised if you see yourself in this story at some point. God’s redemption plan is still unfolding. Your view of the Christmas story will be forever changed as you realize God could call upon you to fulfill a special role in His redemption plan today.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not exactly what I was expecting, but still filled my heart with joy and anticipation of the upcoming season. It's a wonderful book that really made me think. I especially liked the author's thoughts about what each person in the Bible may or may not have been thinking. Some of the author's viewpoints, I struggled with, but he is never stating it is a fact, or Biblically accurate. It was one of those books that I wanted to have my pastor sitting right next to me so I could ask him questions, or share something that I had just read. There were very few editing errors, which I truly appreciated because those always hang me up. Just a misspelled word or two. Some will possibly be offended by the author putting words into the mouths of our beloved holy people, but as a fan of "The Chosen" I kept reminding myself that is exactly what Dallas Jenkins and his writers do for the series. We don't know if it is right or wrong because we only know what the Bible says, and as we know, many things get left out or lost in translation. So, it's OK. The main point is that it makes us think about God, and how awesome HE truly is. I think that was the message the book intended, and that is what he succeeded to do for me.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this when I was in the mood for a festive read, and before I started reading, I wasn't sure what to expect. As a child, I appreciated the story of the Nativity, though I may not be quite as familiar with it now as I was then. I've always enjoyed singing carols, and I own a Bible, though I've never read it in its entirety. I was curious about how I might respond to this book.

The tone of the book was light-hearted and humorous in places, and I sometimes felt that I missed the point of what the author was trying to say. I still found it a thought-provoking read, and there were times when I stopped to consider something I hadn't thought of before, for example, Joseph taking on the role of stepfather.

I saw this one as another interpretation of what I consider to be the original Christmas story, with all the recognisable elements. This time of year means different things to everyone, and I always associate it with spending time with loved ones. I've always seen Christmas as something that brings people together. In some ways, this felt like a little reminder of what Christmas is really about, which is why it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

[Kasongo Mulipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an image shifting piece of work. It makes one Think differently and deeply about Christmas.

It is true every person is born with a specific purpose _ Mr Webster is to be admired for his found purpose.
Most of us have not yet discovered it.

Through reading this book, I am beginning a quest to discover myself and my purpose in this early life.

While reading, the author was able to read my mind and address my thoughts, there and then. My heart was very receptive to the words of counsel, such that I didn't want to stop reading until the very last page.

I am very positive that everyone who will read this book, will never see Christmas the same way, using their old lenses.

Many are the times we do forget the true meaning of Christmas.
The reason for the season is Christ.

[Kate ☕ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected The Extra Ordinary Christmas to be a cozy, festive holiday read, and I was surprised when it turned out to be something quite different. It is a daily devotional that focuses on the core of Christian belief and what Christmas is really about, rather than its sentimental side.

The devotionals are easy to follow, not overly complex, and they don’t go deep into theology. While I do enjoy theological books, in this case I actually appreciated the simpler, more practical approach.

It’s a great book to start the holiday season with — a quiet reminder of what Christmas is truly about.