The Christmas Story (4 Week Series)

It's very easy for preteens to be "self-focused" rather than "others focused" and "God focused" during the Christmas season.

Many times, the focus is on what preteens want for Christmas. Sure, preteens are blessed with a lot of presents and there is a lot of good in that. It's a part of our Christmas tradition. But oftentimes, it goes overboard. For many, Christmas is mostly centered around what preteens want for Christmas and about enjoying those gifts once they are received. Yeah, they'll go to church and hear about Jesus' birth. Their parents might talk about the true meaning of Christmas as well. But for the most part, the message of Christmas they internalized is self-centered because it is centered around getting "stuff".

Preteens need to know that the true meaning of Christmas is centered around Jesus!

The focus of Christmas needs to be on Jesus, not on what students will be getting for Christmas. Sure, enjoy the presents. But don't make that the focus of the holiday season. Jesus' birth and his message brings hope to our world! It means that we can have a forever friendship with God through Jesus. We get to experience God's love here on earth and forever when we die. Jesus is the focus of Christmas and preteens need to absorb that message during the holiday season.

Preteens need to know that Christmas is also about serving and loving others!

Jesus' message is centered around the idea of loving and serving others, not focusing on our own needs and desires. Our actions, especially during the holiday season, should be centered around serving and loving others.

That's why we've created The Christmas Story series - to bring the focus of the holiday season, back on Jesus and helps preteens discover the joy of serving others.

That's the message they will internalize while exploring The Christmas Story.

What's Included:

Series artwork for promotional purposes
Complete PowerPoint slides (both widescreen & standard sizes)
Fun opening games
Creative, relevant teachings
Interactive, hands-on small group activities
Engaging small group discussion questions

The Christmas Story Overview

Week 1: In the Hills (The Shepherds)
Bible Passages: Luke 2:8-15; John 1:14
Bottom Line: God delivers the news about Jesus’ birth to the shepherds—who were the “nobodies” of the day.
What’s That to Me? Pay attention and show acceptance to the “nobodies” in your life.

Week 2: The People of Christmas
Bible Passages: Luke 1:5-25; 1:26-38; 2:8-15; John 1:14
Bottom Line: God used angels to communicate to His people about Jesus’ birth.
What’s That to Me? God wants to communicate to you, so pay attention.

Week 3: The Wise Men Give Gifts to Jesus
Bible: Matthew 2:1-12; John 1:14
Bottom Line: The Magi serve Jesus by bringing him gifts.
What’s That to Me? Like the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we need to focus on serving others.

Week 4: Jesus’ Family Tree
Bible: Luke 1:26-38; John 1:14
Bottom Line: Jesus is born!
What’s That to Me? Because of Jesus’ birth, we can all belong to God’s family.