Description: "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."--amazon.com.
Brief description: Rachel Billups believes the Gospel is more adventure than assignment, and she has spent her ministry trying to live it. As Senior Pastor of New Albany United Methodist Church in New Albany, Ohio, she is an ordained Elder, a sought-after voice at national gatherings, and a coach to pastors learning to lead brave. Her books An Unlikely Lent, An Unlikely Advent, and Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce invite readers into the margins of the biblical story, because that is usually where grace shows up with the good snacks. As co-founder of hub4innovation.org, she gathers church leaders helping to build the future of the Church. Rachel and her husband are raising four remarkable kids and trying (mostly successfully) to keep their dogs off the furniture. Find her at www.rachelbillups.com.