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Remarkable Advent: God's Extraordinary Plan Through Ordinary People
Rediscover the wonder of the first Christmas in this Advent devotional.Do you want to experience the Christmas story in a new way?What if we peered through history's frosted window and felt astonished by Jesus' birth once again? In Remarkable Advent, Shauna Letellier drapes the fabric of imagination over the framework of Scripture, bringing the Christmas story to life through twenty-five devotional readings.To retrace the story of Jesus' birth, each devotional daily plan for Advent Scripture reading.Captivating storytelling that will engage the whole family.Relevant reflections that connect Jesus' birth to your extraordinary place in his family.Guided prayer to help you focus on the wonder of Christ.With breathtaking imagery and a fresh take on Scripture, this Christmas devotional will prepare your heart to celebrate God's greatest gift.You'll see Mary readjust the knot on her belted waist. You'll witness Joseph wrestling with Mary's incredible story. And you will discover it has always been God's intention to use ordinary people--like you--to fulfill his extraordinary plan.Shauna Letellier draws upon her degree in Biblical Studies and two decades of Bible teaching to weave history, theology, and fictional detail into this delightful retelling of the Christmas story.Remarkable Advent is the perfect gift for you or a friend.Get your copy before Advent begins, and marvel at the miracle once more.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2019
357 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Shauna Letellier
9 books60 followersShauna Letellier is an author, writer, and Bible teacher who helps worn-out people find permanent rest and relief in Christ. She draws upon her degree in Biblical Studies and two decades of Bible teaching to weave history, theology, and fictional detail into a fresh retelling of familiar Bible stories.
Shauna is the author of three books and numerous articles. Her writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Day Spring's (in)courage, The MOB Society, For Every Mom, and in MomSense, a publication of MOPS International. She teaches women's Sunday school in her local church, speaks at women's events, and ministers at the state Women's Penitentiary.
With her husband Kurt, she has the wild and hilarious privilege of raising three boys along the banks of the Missouri River where they fish, swim, and rush off to ballgames.
Shauna is the author of three books and numerous articles. Her writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Day Spring's (in)courage, The MOB Society, For Every Mom, and in MomSense, a publication of MOPS International. She teaches women's Sunday school in her local church, speaks at women's events, and ministers at the state Women's Penitentiary.
With her husband Kurt, she has the wild and hilarious privilege of raising three boys along the banks of the Missouri River where they fish, swim, and rush off to ballgames.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 30, 2019
Every year I get caught off guard when Advent season rolls around. I have good intentions, but the season’s arrival sneaks up on me before I’ve had a chance to prepare my heart and my plan. This year will be different.
Shauna Letellier has crafted a wonderful guide to the Christmas miracle, taking us on a journey inside the experiences of the key players in this beautiful narrative, and offering a fresh connection to a story that is also ours if we are Christ followers.
I’ve always loved Shauna’s writing, and this gem is full of all the things I treasure most about her works.
My book is in hand, ready to open and enjoy from day one. I plan to give a few early Christmas gifts this year so others can begin a Remarkable Advent as well.
Shauna Letellier has crafted a wonderful guide to the Christmas miracle, taking us on a journey inside the experiences of the key players in this beautiful narrative, and offering a fresh connection to a story that is also ours if we are Christ followers.
I’ve always loved Shauna’s writing, and this gem is full of all the things I treasure most about her works.
My book is in hand, ready to open and enjoy from day one. I plan to give a few early Christmas gifts this year so others can begin a Remarkable Advent as well.
December 25, 2022
A retelling of the events surrounding Jesus' birth, this book is written to make Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah more relatable. While not deviating from Biblical accounts, the author exercises creative license to add possible dialogue, emotions, and thoughts they may have had. While I didn't love this particular retelling of the Christmas story, I thoroughly enjoyed Russ Ramsey's The Advent of the Lamb of God which is written in a similar style. He also added more historical context in his book, and I personally found it more engaging than Remarkable Advent.
December 28, 2021
My expectations were the cause of anything negative. I had expected that each day would focus on a different person but it didn't. Plus I get distracted by details when the Bible is fictionalized. That being said, I learned things I didn't know before and God absolutely used it to help me remember the wonder of Jesus's birth.
December 26, 2020
A wonderful Advent Devotional
When out boys were small we would have Advent devotional reading every Sunday in Advent. I loved those times. When I found Shaun as Advent devotional I had to read it. What a wonderful work. Every morning I would read the story and visualize what happened with Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Thank you for writing this devotional. I loved it.
When out boys were small we would have Advent devotional reading every Sunday in Advent. I loved those times. When I found Shaun as Advent devotional I had to read it. What a wonderful work. Every morning I would read the story and visualize what happened with Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Thank you for writing this devotional. I loved it.
December 26, 2021
I read through this booklet throughout advent season, and I’m so glad I did. The author’s insights into Zechariah were really profound and changed my view of him—and myself.
December 17, 2020
Advent like you have never heard
Engaging and thought provoking! Wonderful easy read that is a great tool to celebrate the advent. Check it out you will be glad you did
Engaging and thought provoking! Wonderful easy read that is a great tool to celebrate the advent. Check it out you will be glad you did
October 29, 2019
With the same captivating storytelling found in her book Remarkable Faith, Shauna makes me feel like I’m reading the Christmas story for the first time. I’ve tossed dozens of Advent devotionals in the past for lack of substance, but Shauna’s beautiful book will be a resource I come back to again and again.
January 13, 2021
The author basically embellishes the biblical story with imagined details. I didn't finish as the book didn't not inspire me.
December 11, 2021
A moving look at the Christmas story through the eyes and minds of the ordinary people who lived through it can be found in Remarkable Advent by Shauna Letellier.
Each year, I like to discover a new devotional to read during Advent. Back in October, I discovered this as a free offering. It is currently listed at a price of $2.99 for a Kindle version.
This devotional includes stories, rich in historical detail, of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and the miraculous events that we cherish, woven into their daily lives. It gets into the heads of these historical figures and makes them living, breathing people no different than you or I.
Each day opens with Scripture, then Letellier uses Scripture and other historical details to create that day’s devotional, and each day ends with a prayer. As you can imagine, the reader moves chronologically through the Christmas story, starting with the angel’s announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy to Zachariah.
In her introduction, Letellier encourages the reader to experience this book as if hearing the Christmas story for the first time. Imagine how amazing this somewhat overly familiar story is when you focus on just how remarkable what happened is.
This is a beautifully written devotional. I highly recommend it.
Each year, I like to discover a new devotional to read during Advent. Back in October, I discovered this as a free offering. It is currently listed at a price of $2.99 for a Kindle version.
This devotional includes stories, rich in historical detail, of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and the miraculous events that we cherish, woven into their daily lives. It gets into the heads of these historical figures and makes them living, breathing people no different than you or I.
Each day opens with Scripture, then Letellier uses Scripture and other historical details to create that day’s devotional, and each day ends with a prayer. As you can imagine, the reader moves chronologically through the Christmas story, starting with the angel’s announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy to Zachariah.
In her introduction, Letellier encourages the reader to experience this book as if hearing the Christmas story for the first time. Imagine how amazing this somewhat overly familiar story is when you focus on just how remarkable what happened is.
This is a beautifully written devotional. I highly recommend it.
December 30, 2021
It is so easy to let the Christmas story roll over us in a comfortable familiarity and allow the real people in the stories to have as much personality and humanity as the figurines in a nativity set. Shauna Letellier brings imagination and emotion to the verses to bring the participants in that first Christmas alive and to touch our lives. Take Joseph, for instance. Joseph is often referred to as the forgotten man of Christmas, and I certainly have given him little thought. But what did he think when Mary tells him that she is pregnant? Angered by her betrayal--how could he believe Mary's story?--he spent the remainder of the day and evening trying to determine the best way of dealing with the situation. The daily devotionals provide similar insights into Zacharias, Elizabeth and Mary. This book is going to be a tradition for my advent season.
December 25, 2022
One of the better Advent Devotionals that I’ve Read!
At first I wasn’t sure about the fictionalized account of the events leading up to and including the birth of Jesus. Was it a good idea to write fiction from what is found in the Bible? But the more I read, the more I realized that it is brilliant idea. It is like watching a little part of the mini-series JESUS OF NAZARETH which is certainly a fictionalized account of what is found in the Bible. But like watching a movie, reading the fictional accounts of what happened around the time of Jesus’ birth brought the story to life every bit as well as sitting to watch a mini-series. The fictional accounts were written amazingly well, and the devotional essays that were paired with each were also brilliantly stated. This was definitely a highlight in my Advent reading this year!
At first I wasn’t sure about the fictionalized account of the events leading up to and including the birth of Jesus. Was it a good idea to write fiction from what is found in the Bible? But the more I read, the more I realized that it is brilliant idea. It is like watching a little part of the mini-series JESUS OF NAZARETH which is certainly a fictionalized account of what is found in the Bible. But like watching a movie, reading the fictional accounts of what happened around the time of Jesus’ birth brought the story to life every bit as well as sitting to watch a mini-series. The fictional accounts were written amazingly well, and the devotional essays that were paired with each were also brilliantly stated. This was definitely a highlight in my Advent reading this year!
December 23, 2021
Wonder of the miraculous gift from God
This daily devotional journey, from Advent to Christmas,, from the books of Genesis to Luke was refreshing and thought provoking. After Mary said YES to God, what did she think, wonder and experience? What were the day to day challenges for Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and Joseph? Who were these biblical.heros of the faith? We will never know this side of heaven, but we have the opportunity to think about them through the lens of Shauna
Letelliers' book.
Anyone wanting to know more about this part of Gods plans will enjoy this book.
This daily devotional journey, from Advent to Christmas,, from the books of Genesis to Luke was refreshing and thought provoking. After Mary said YES to God, what did she think, wonder and experience? What were the day to day challenges for Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and Joseph? Who were these biblical.heros of the faith? We will never know this side of heaven, but we have the opportunity to think about them through the lens of Shauna
Letelliers' book.
Anyone wanting to know more about this part of Gods plans will enjoy this book.
January 7, 2022
My favorite annual Advent read. Shauna is a beautiful storyteller who weaves together these short stories about some of the most well-known accounts in Scripture into a beautiful tapestry that brings them all to life. The chapters are short and end with a devotional thought to apply it to our own lives. Every year, I feel more in-tune with the Advent season by going through this book. It allows you to just sit with a relatively short story from the Bible, through the entire month of December. The excitement of the coming of Jesus builds as you move through the book, ending on Christmas Day. It's the perfect addition to your December every year.
January 4, 2022
Inspiring and reassuring
I read this book last Christmas and it didn't disappoint too read it again. Shauna had such an ability to bring to life this well known story. I loved this book and couldn't wait to read each daily chapter. In the midst of all the commercialism and pressures of this season, particularly these past two years with the added stresses of covid, it was good to be reminded off who is in control and how much His plans and purposes will not be thwarted. He uses ordinary people and events to do the extraordinary. Would highly recommend this book.
I read this book last Christmas and it didn't disappoint too read it again. Shauna had such an ability to bring to life this well known story. I loved this book and couldn't wait to read each daily chapter. In the midst of all the commercialism and pressures of this season, particularly these past two years with the added stresses of covid, it was good to be reminded off who is in control and how much His plans and purposes will not be thwarted. He uses ordinary people and events to do the extraordinary. Would highly recommend this book.
December 20, 2022
Surprisingly good advent devotion
I've read a few Advent books and attended a few studies. All covered the Christmas story. But this devotion surprised me with the way it sought to help you understand the culture and lives Mary and Joseph lived, the challenges and hardships, through fictional story play. The reader needs to acknowledge the fiction, but seek to relate to the real people that Mary and Joseph were, and the extraordinary baby they were given. Very enjoyable devotion.
I've read a few Advent books and attended a few studies. All covered the Christmas story. But this devotion surprised me with the way it sought to help you understand the culture and lives Mary and Joseph lived, the challenges and hardships, through fictional story play. The reader needs to acknowledge the fiction, but seek to relate to the real people that Mary and Joseph were, and the extraordinary baby they were given. Very enjoyable devotion.
December 27, 2020
My wife and I read this together for Advent. We enjoyed the author’s story-telling method of going through the Biblical events of Advent. Using her imagination and her knowledge of Biblical times added thoughtful dimensions to the familiar stories leading to the birth of Christ. Each devotional was short but impactful. Highly recommended-especially for young adults and teens who have never given it much thought before.
December 22, 2021
I enjoyed Letellier's imaginative expansion of the experiences of Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, and the rest of the cast of characters from the Nativity Story. As promised, it helped me look at a very familiar story in a new way. The author's understanding of God's grace and His relationship with and expectations for man on Earth are slightly different than mine, but I still enjoyed her testimony. This Advent was a nice way to turn my heart even more to the Savior this Christmas.
December 22, 2021
Inspirational
I loved reading this as an Advent devotional. It made each person in the Christmas story real and not just a character in a story. It became more personal and made me stop and understand how each person reacted to their situation and how I would have reacted if I had been there. It gave more depth and empathy for each person and magnified each person’s role in bringing Christ into the world.
I loved reading this as an Advent devotional. It made each person in the Christmas story real and not just a character in a story. It became more personal and made me stop and understand how each person reacted to their situation and how I would have reacted if I had been there. It gave more depth and empathy for each person and magnified each person’s role in bringing Christ into the world.
December 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much.
I enjoyed this book very much. Advent is a very important time of year for me. Advent - a preparation for the earthly coming of Jesus. My faith is very important to me. And I enjoy the reading of Advent devotionals every year. This year, I'm reading several, and I think I will do so every year. This book is one I've enjoyed very much. I recommend this Advent devotional to everyone during the season of Advent. God bless.
I enjoyed this book very much. Advent is a very important time of year for me. Advent - a preparation for the earthly coming of Jesus. My faith is very important to me. And I enjoy the reading of Advent devotionals every year. This year, I'm reading several, and I think I will do so every year. This book is one I've enjoyed very much. I recommend this Advent devotional to everyone during the season of Advent. God bless.
November 24, 2021
Remarkable insights
As a pastor who has been preaching for 52 years, it's always refreshing to read someone else's ideas on the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Christ. Letellier's thoughts are imaginative and fresh. Yes, the Advent is truly remarkable, and the author shows us how in a clear and readable way.
As a pastor who has been preaching for 52 years, it's always refreshing to read someone else's ideas on the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Christ. Letellier's thoughts are imaginative and fresh. Yes, the Advent is truly remarkable, and the author shows us how in a clear and readable way.
December 23, 2021
Pairing scripture with a fictionalized account gives the reader deeper insight into what the first Christmas might have been like. The author's devotional insights and prayers add to the overall experience and invite the reader to an even deeper understanding of what the birth of our Savior means.
I found this a wonderful way to observe and enjoy the Advent season.
I found this a wonderful way to observe and enjoy the Advent season.
December 24, 2021
An advent. Account the journey to our Savior’s birth.
A daily reading of the story leading to the birth of Jesus.
Scriptures, the author’s providing history, theology and fictional detail, (her interpretation).
A delightful read.
A storyteller version that is precise and down to earth.
A daily reading of the story leading to the birth of Jesus.
Scriptures, the author’s providing history, theology and fictional detail, (her interpretation).
A delightful read.
A storyteller version that is precise and down to earth.
December 24, 2021
Brought the birth of Jesus to life
I kept wanting to read ahead each day but then also wanted to look forward to reading each day of Advent. This brought the birth of Jesus and the faith and fear of Mary and Joseph into real time perspective for me. Then the everyday understanding and practicing the principles in my own life.
I kept wanting to read ahead each day but then also wanted to look forward to reading each day of Advent. This brought the birth of Jesus and the faith and fear of Mary and Joseph into real time perspective for me. Then the everyday understanding and practicing the principles in my own life.
December 26, 2021
Advent Devotional
This is a wonderful Advent Devotional! The author relates the Christmas story from Mary and Joseph's viewpoints and then goes on to give background knowledge of that time period. I looked forward to reading this each day. I will definitely use it again next Advent!
This is a wonderful Advent Devotional! The author relates the Christmas story from Mary and Joseph's viewpoints and then goes on to give background knowledge of that time period. I looked forward to reading this each day. I will definitely use it again next Advent!
December 28, 2021
Devotional
A fair read as I used it for daily readings through advent with my husband. Obviously it is a well known story but the fictional details help the picturing of the familiar events. Application to life today was simple and straightforward. It was well enough written to keep us reading each day.
A fair read as I used it for daily readings through advent with my husband. Obviously it is a well known story but the fictional details help the picturing of the familiar events. Application to life today was simple and straightforward. It was well enough written to keep us reading each day.
December 31, 2021
This advent devotional made the Christmas story come to life for me. I read it aloud with my husband and it gave us a lot to talk about as we considered what the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus may have been like. This book was a great way to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
December 27, 2022
Perfect Christmas Devotional
Brilliantly and eloquently imagined retelling of the nativity story that invites you to be a part of the most beloved journey of the birth of our savior. The follow up commentary after each chapter is also a gift of faith filled reminders as we journey the holiday season ourselves.
Brilliantly and eloquently imagined retelling of the nativity story that invites you to be a part of the most beloved journey of the birth of our savior. The follow up commentary after each chapter is also a gift of faith filled reminders as we journey the holiday season ourselves.
December 31, 2022
I’ve loved both books by Shawna LeTellier. She absolutely captivate the heart and spirit of the Gospels in her writing. This book lending details to the circumstances surrounding Jesus, birth is absolutely inspiring, and brings so much clarity and beauty to Christmas. I highly recommend this as a Reid every year.
January 28, 2023
I liked this book. I didn't love it, but I liked it. It had a well-told story, and even made me consider a couple aspects of the nativity that I had never thought of before. I liked the way that part was presented, but I didn't really love the little devotional and prayer that followed. It was fine, but not anything new. A nice little Advent Devo, but not exceptional.
December 25, 2023
I loved the author's idea of retelling the nativity story one day at a time, sometimes from one person's point-of-view and sometimes another, trying to imagine what they might have been thinking and feeling (I think my favourite was Day 22). I would have given this book an extra star if she'd taken out part of the epilogue. It was too heavy for me on a day when I want to be celebrating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews