Use this Advent devotion to teach preteens how people eagerly awaited the birth of Jesus. Then tie that into how we wait for Jesus today.
This Advent Sunday school lesson works well for older elementary kids, preteens, and middle school students.
Advent Devotion for Preteens
1. The Waiting Game
As kids arrive, tell them you have a special surprise for them but it’s not here yet. Keep building up the surprise for at least five minutes as kids wait. Finally, have someone bring in refreshments. Then ask:
- How did you feel as you waited?
- Was it easy or difficult to wait? Explain.
- Was the wait worth it? Why or why not?
Read aloud Luke 2:1-20. Then ask:
- How do you think the people who had waited for Jesus felt when he was born?
- Was their wait worth it? Why or why not?
- Do we have to wait for Jesus today? Why or why not?
2. Hear Ye Bible Activity
Form pairs. Give each pair parchment paper and pens. Have children read Luke 2:1-20 and create birth announcements for Jesus.
Afterward, have kids show their announcements. Then ask:
- What’s the most wonderful announcement you’ve ever heard?
- What did the announcement of Jesus’ birth mean to people in those days?
- How does that news impact us today?
