Series Overview
Have you ever stopped to listen to a group of carolers and then joined them to go spread some more Christmas cheer with others? Music is such a big part of Christmas, but it’s not the main reason we celebrate. It’s easy to get distracted with all the lights, presents, and traditions that sometimes we forget it’s not about the things we do, but Who we do it for and why we do it. That’s why this December, we’re singing loudly as we jam out to our Christmas Playlist to celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift! The best gift God ever gave was Jesus. Because of Jesus, it’s possible for us to have a relationship with God that will last forever. As we get in the mix this Christmas season, let’s take time to remember the reason we celebrate in the first place: Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known.
Memory Verse
“[Mary] is going to have a son. You must give him the name Jesus. That’s because He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21, NIRV
Week One (December 1)
In The Beginning Was The Word
Bible Story: John 1:1-5, 14
Key Question: Why is Jesus important to you?
Virtue: Christmas – Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift
We kick off week 1 at the very beginning. In John 1:1-5, 14, we learn that before there was anything, even life itself,
there was the Word. Jesus was this Word — a light that became a human to shine in the darkness and show us Who God is. We get to see the plan God had for us from the very beginning and celebrate because of the gift of Jesus.
As we start the month of December, Christmas is on everyone’s mind. It’s the perfect time to help preteens consider not just what they believe, but why. This week, we’ll talk about how God always had a plan to send Jesus, the light of the world. We pray that this question will help preteens to be open to asking questions so they can grow in their faith and make it their own.
Week Two (December 8)
Angel Appears to Mary + Joseph
Bible Story: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25
Key Question: What helps you remember that God is with you?
Virtue: Christmas – Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift
In Week 2, we turn to Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25. On both occasions, an angel visited Mary and Joseph to inform them that they would be the parents of the coming Savior of the world. They would call Him Immanuel, which means “God with us”. They could have said no and refused, but even though they were afraid, they trusted that God was with them through it all.
We start with this question to help preteens start thinking about all the times that God has been there for them in the past. When they focus on the things God has already done instead of their current circumstances, it makes it a little easier to face new troubles that may come up, and helps them to remember that they are not alone!
Week Three (December 15)
Jesus is Born
Bible Story: Luke 2:1-7
Key Question: What does Christmas mean to you?
Virtue: Christmas – Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift
In Week 3, we head to Luke 2:1-7 for the birth of Jesus! This Word that God had promised from the beginning had
finally arrived as a humble baby. It may not have been as everyone thought, such as a warrior or someone with high status, but it was exactly what the world needed. God’s rescue plan to save the world was in motion, and as we remember how Jesus was born, we can always find a reason to celebrate!
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that it can start to feel a little overwhelming. However, when we turn our focus to the WHO of Christmas instead of all the things we get or do
at Christmas, we start to see the joy that Jesus brings. We hope this question becomes a great conversation starter that leads preteens to a deeper understanding of Who Jesus is and why He is worth celebrating.
Christmas (December 21/22)
The Christmas Story
Bible Story: Luke 2:8-20
Key Question: How are you celebrating Christmas this year?
Virtue: Christmas – Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift
For week 4 we continue the story in Luke 2:8-20. Jesus was born, and it was now time to announce it to the world. Instead of heading to the wealthiest people, some angels visited the shepherds and announced Jesus’ birth to them first! The shepherds ran to see Jesus, and once they did, it was news they couldn’t keep to themselves. Jesus is worth celebrating with everyone!
What’s that one Christmas tradition you look forward to every year? What’s your favorite may be different from someone else’s favorite. Through all of our various backgrounds and experiences, we have a chance to celebrate Jesus in the unique ways God has created us. We hope this question invites preteens to share the joy Jesus brings with others this Christmas season.