Advent devotions aren’t just for adults. Kids and teens also benefit from preparing their hearts for Jesus at Christmas. But getting teenagers excited about Advent can be a challenge. December is packed with finals, sports, concerts, and Christmas chaos. Waiting quietly for Jesus’ arrival might not be on teens’ radar.
But Advent isn’t just for little kids lighting candles or for adults doing daily Scripture readings at home. It’s also a meaningful season for teens. So help them slow down, reflect, and find awe in the coming Christ.
The Importance of Advent
Advent is about anticipation. We feel expectant hope for Jesus’ coming, both at Christmas and in the future. Teens live in a world of instant everything, including instant results. So waiting doesn’t come naturally to them (or to us!).
But that’s why Advent is so valuable. The season teaches patience, longing, and trust in God’s timing. Youth group Advent devotions help teens focus on Jesus. For four weeks, they learn to wait well for God’s greatest gift. And they begin to see Jesus not just as a baby in a manger but as their living Savior and King.
With some planning, Advent can come alive for teens. Invite them to find wonder, hope, peace, joy, and love in a season that often feels hurried.
15 Advent Devotions & Bible Study Starters for Teens
These creative Advent devotions focus on Jesus. Each includes a theme, Scripture passage, discussion starter, and activity idea you can adapt for your youth group.
1. Hope When You Can’t See the Ending
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7
Discussion Starter: Talk about times when life feels dark or uncertain. What does it mean that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light”?
Creative idea: As a symbol of hope, have students light candles in a dark room. Then pray for one another.
2. Waiting Is Worth It
Scripture: Lamentations 3:25-26; Romans 8:24-25
Discussion Starter: What’s something you’ve had to wait a long time for? How did it change you?
Creative idea: Create an Advent “waiting jar.” Each week, teens write one thing they’re praying for and drop it in the jar. Open them at Christmas (or in the new year) to see how God has been working.
3. A Promise Fulfilled
Scripture: Micah 5:2-5; Luke 2:1-7
Discussion Starter: Discuss how God’s promises often take time. What does it mean that God kept his promise to send a Savior?
Creative idea: Have teens write a list of things God guarantees in Scripture. Hang them on a Promise Tree.
4. God’s Surprising Plans
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Discussion Starter: Mary was a teenager when the angel visited her. How do you think she felt? How can we respond with the same faith when God’s plans surprise us?
Creative idea: Create an angel-encounter drama or skit from Mary’s perspective.
5. Unconditional Joy
Scripture: Luke 2:8-14; Philippians 4:4-7
Discussion Starter: What’s the difference between happiness and joy?
Creative idea: Have teens write or draw what joy looks like to them. Then hang those on a wall mural labeled Joy to the World.
