Book Spotlight: The Extra Ordinary Christmas

A lot of people think more about Jesus around the Christmas season. Author Wade Webster has woven a fictional look at the different parts of the story of Jesus' birth along with devotional thoughts, just perfect for people wanting something different during Advent. Today, he's giving us a sneak peek.

"Will we see Messiah in our life, Abba?" The voice came from Mary's brother but the words came from her heart.
"It could happen, Sol. There are rumors of an angel sighting in Jerusalem, but it's been more than four centuries since Yahweh has spoken to us, his people. The last time I was in Jerusalem I overheard Simeon say he would not die before he saw the Lord's annointed. As old as he is I would say it should happen any day now." The father gave a boisterous laugh.
The voices outside caught Sol's attention. "May I go play now, Abba?"

"Yes, my son. Today's lesson is complete. You may go." He looked at his daughter. "What is it, Mary? I know you have something on your heart. You always do."
"Do you think the Messiah will see us. Will he talk to us?"
"Oh, Mary, you have so much to learn. Messiah will be very busy defeating the Romans. Then setting up his kingdom in Jerusalem. I very much doubt he'll have any business in Nazareth."
Mary stared out the window. "I think Messiah will be a much better king if he loves his people enough to want to know them and want them to know him."
"That sounds so like my Mary, always the dreamer. Don't you have someplace to be today?"
"Yes. Jacobed promised me one of her fine blankets if I clean her house while she's gone to buy more wool. I should be going." She gathered her things and left.
After she finished in the kitchen she paused for a drink. Her mind drifted to the Messiah. His strong hands picked up children as they laughed. Maybe he would give her a hug across her shoulders. She soon realized the man in her thoughts was none other than her own Joseph. She sent up a prayer. "Can you speed up the time, please?"
The sudden shadow cast on her made Mary jerk. She kept looking up until she found the eyes of one who would give her the news that would change the course of human history.
"But, I haven't been with a man like that. How can this be?"
"The Spirit of God will overshadow you. You will conceive and bear a son. You are to call him Jesus."
Her mouth spoke her heart. "Let it be done to me as you have said."
When Gabriel left she knew she had to quickly finish her task and make plans to visit Elizabeth as soon as possible.

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This is our introduction to Mary in The Extra Ordinary Christmas: How God used ordinary people to bring the most extraordinary person into the world. The same style of writing is used in each chapter to see how each of the people mentioned in the Christmas narrative was just a regular person going about their ordinary life as this epic event unfolded.
Devotional thoughts follow to guide our thoughts into how God used them then and can use us now to fulfill his redemption story today. The 24 chapters make this book a great advent tool to focus our hearts on the impact of God becoming one of us.

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The Extra Ordinary Christmas

What was it about Joseph and Mary that set them apart from everyone else? Why were the shepherds in that particular field picked to hear angels glorifying God? Why did God choose Zachariah 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 fill a special role in his redemption plan today.

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​Wade Webster lives in The Colony, Texas with his best friend, Jesus Christ. He gave his heart to Jesus so young he doesn't remember not being born again. He attended Grace Christian University in Wyoming, Michigan. As a truck driver he has delivered Christmas mail and decorated Christmas trees. He's proud of the fact that he can now deliver the true reason for Christmas with this book.

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