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Christmas Message for Youth: Change the Lives of Preteens

  • Balloon Race—Give each preteen a balloon with their name on it. Have kids stand in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder, on one side of a room. Invite all the kids to blow up their balloons and then release them at the same time. The player’s balloon that lands closest to the opposite wall wins. The point: God is with us and within us. He is as close to us as our very breath. Just as we breathed air into our balloons, God breathes His spirit into us.
  • Shepherds, Angels & You—Open your Bible to Luke 2:8. Read about the shepherds and the angels. Then divide the group into shepherds and angels and act it out!

Always think of ways to add fun, hands-on activities to drive home the point. Preteens will be more engaged, making the Christmas message for youth really “stick.”

3. Reach out.

Preteens can get caught up in the consumerism of Christmas, which creates an “all about me” attitude. Fourth- through sixth- graders learn best by doing, and they jump at the chance to make a difference.

So give older kids the opportunity to reach out to people in your community. Try these practical service ideas:

  • Give up a gift they receive this Christmas and instead give it to a child in need.
  • Volunteer at a local food shelter.
  • Volunteer to wrap gifts at the mall during the busy shopping season.

Allow preteens to be part of the planning process. Also ask them for ideas of how to serve the community. The more kids are involved in the planning, the more of an impact the experience will have on them. And the more they’ll want to continue serving long after Christmas is over for another year!

What other suggestions do you recommend for a Christmas message for youth? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.