{"product_id":"9780835810043","title":"Expecting the Unexpected: An Advent Devotional Guide","description":"\u003ch4 align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eHAVE AN UNEXPECTED ADVENT\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eEngage your members with an Advent devotional resource different from any other they have seen. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eExpecting the Unexpected\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e offers far more than a typical re-telling of the Nativity story. Instead, this daily devotional guide presents snapshots from throughout Jesus’ life in which he persistently does the unexpected.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis arrival came at an unexpected time for Mary \u0026amp; Joseph, and it began a lifetime pattern in which Jesus confounded his family, perplexed the religious leaders of his day, and baffled his own disciples. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis followers did not expect his death \u0026amp; resurrection…and, his second coming will occur at an unexpected time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor each day of Advent, this book offers reflections on: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e___ Instances when Jesus did the unexpected\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e___ Instances when we personally encounter the unexpected in our own lives\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese daily devotions are presented in five chapters, for the 4 weeks of Advent, plus the week after Christmas. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to the author’s comments, these brief devotions include –\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eScriptures\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAppropriate lyrics from Charles Wesley hymns\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eImages for meditation\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReflective questions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePrayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis private devotional resource can also serve as the basis of a group study during Advent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGoing beyond the basic Advent story, Blair Meeks creatively uncovers the historical and theological meaning of Christ’s birth, life, death, and reign of glory. This is an Advent journey viewed through a new set of lenses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFear of terrorism, rumors of epidemic, the pressures of consumerism…. Are today’s anxieties shrinking your Christmas spirit, your sense of joy, your purpose, your song? \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Advent, expect the unexpected. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReconnect with the Christmas story, the arrival of Christ’s biblical message of hope and healing for this world. \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpecting the Unexpected \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis a spiritual feast for mind and imagination. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpecting the Unexpected \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e-- \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I often wonder how we can decorate our tree, haul out the nativity set, sing 'Away in a Manger' once or twice, pack it all away again, and think we have celebrated Christmas adequately,\" writes Meeks. \"The season holds so much more for us. …God's work through Jesus Christ only begins in the manger. Our joy in God's gift of Jesus to us should be part of our lives every day.\" \u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e-- Blair Meeks\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith Meeks as your companion and guide, reclaim excitement and refreshment. Expect Christ’s reign in your life — today. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer an unexpected Advent this year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Upper Room Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47018146857200,"sku":"9780835810043","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780835810043_p0.jpg?v=1763752789","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780835810043","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}