Faith and the New Year

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Every youth ministry has a beginning. It could begin with a call—or a hire. It could begin with a vision. It...

Devo: Dealing with Anger

"When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all of the children in and around Bethlehem…" (Matt. 2:16). We live in an angry time. In fact, it is ev...

Christmas Jar Impressions

This game is a fun spin-off of charades. Before the meeting, create index cards with traditional Christmas events on them ("decorating the tree," "baking a cake," "caroling," "shoveling snow," etc.). Fill a jar...

Fear Versus Faith

"Where is the child who has been born king of Jews? For we have observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him"&nbs...

Christmas Clay

If you are looking for a fun and engaging idea for gift-exchange among the teenagers, try this hands-on activity that can double as a game and a project. Purchase a block of potter's clay (available online) t...

The Blessings of Disappointments

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way…her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly" (Matt. 1:18-19). Some...