Hanging calendars with the visual countdown until Christmas is a tradition in homes across the globe. In the spirit of that preparation for the birth of Jesus. In her new book “An Unlikely Advent” author Rachel Billups embark the readers in month-long journey on the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah (mother Mary’s cousin and her husband), Herod King of Judea in times of Jesus, the Magi (Three Wise Men) and the Shepherds.
Their unexpected destiny fulfillment as part the ensemble of witnesses that contribute to Jesus’ nativity story. The book is an easy read that reminds the readers of the meaning of Christmas while following the lives of the four protagonists mentioned above.
Billups comprise the chronicle in four chapters. In the first chapter titled: “What if I Missed It?” A look into the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah that have a dream of becoming parents but they were too old for that and they wonder if all their blind faith was just that a sidetrack for whatever their real purpose in life was supposed to be.
“Playing The Villain” the writer put Herod the King of Judea and the power he hold front and center making a connection to her personal life, which shed light on the human display of misery when we chose to be purposely unkind and cruel towards others declaring that there’s a Herod in all of us. By chapter three: “A Curious People” the novelist introduces the audience to the Magi, also known as Three Wise Men and their unlikely journey to pay tribute to the newborn king in the manger. The voyage of the three kings following the star that led them to Jesus and the epiphany of his existence as a savior. At the end of chapter four: “When God Shows Up” Rachel Billups presents the Shepherds and their significance in the narrative of the story of Christmas.
“An unlikely Advent” is an easy read, engaging and meaningful. A perfect companion that reminds us that renewed love and joy that christians experience this time of the year is a call to action of leaving the gospel, reflecting in our lives mission and exalt our spirits in the assurance of the promise of hope and peace on earth to people of goodwill.
