Goal of this Life Night
The teens will examine how the hopeful anticipation of the season of Advent compares to their own feelings regarding their hopes and dreams for the future. They will be encouraged not to wish to speed time up or “fast-forward” into their future, but to enjoy the time of anticipation as a gift from god that helps prepare us for the future and reminds us to prepare for the coming of Christ.
About this Life Night
Every year it seems that “preparation” for Christmas begins a little earlier; “after- Thanksgiving sales” now start on Thanksgiving, people race to complete their Christmas shopping months in advance, and the onslaught of holiday activities seems endless. In between Christmas concerts, plays, and cookie baking it can be easy to forget the season of Advent. This liturgical season is a blessed time of waiting for Christ, and calls to mind the incredible reality of the incarnation and looks forward to the time when Christ will come again. This Life Night challenges teens to dive into the season of Advent. The night begins with each teen receiving a gift that they need to wait to open, and a video from Busted halo that gives an engaging overview of the season of Advent. The Proclaim will provide teens with a basis for understanding the season of Advent and how it can impact us spiritu-ally. During the Break teens split into separate grade levels for discussion. The night closes with a reflection on the Annunciation and a time of prayer that gives teens an opportunity to turn their hopes and anticipations over to Christ.