Question: EAD renewal speed

My case:

EAD renewal Receive Date: 11/13/2006, Expire date:1/5/2007

According to my searching on this immigration forum, it seems I cannot get my EAD renewal approved before 1/5/2007.

Question: in case I cannot get it approved on time, will I be laid off? During the gap, can I legally keep in current job position, but without salary payroll and without any work?

If you happen to got your EAD renewal approved recently, could you please kindly let me know how long it took you to get it approved?

Any of your reply, help and time will be highly appreciated.