The Advent candles are just a puddle of wax in the wreath. The teens are finally done cramming for their finals. And the shopping malls are (almost) done with the frenzy of Christmas shoppers.

But for all the preparation we do for Christmas, December 25th seems to come and go all too quickly. That is why the Church in her wisdom gives us an entire season for Christmas instead of just one day. So while all the stores are taking down the Santas and putting up the Bunnies – we are just getting into the full swing of Christmas. 12 days of Christmas is so much better than just one!

How can you keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your youth ministry program after December 25th? How can you help the teens celebrate the birth of Christ more than just one day a year? You’re in luck! Your Christmas gift from Life Teen is here to help! Just for you, we have Christmas-themed Life Nights, Bible studies, and prayer gatherings you can use this Christmas season. Don’t look in the mail for this gift; it is already on your shelf (and in your computer)! By using resources that have been sent in previous Life Support boxes, you can keep the Christmas season alive for your teens without a lot of extra planning. Intrigued? Here are some ideas on new ways to use the resources already on your shelf:

1. Alpha Omega Retreat: Christmas Session. The second session of this retreat is about the manifestation of Christ at Christmas. If you have not used this resource as a retreat, the Christmas session would make a great Life Night.

2. Alpha Omega Retreat: Human Presents Game.Even if you can’t use the entire session, the Gather game in session II of this retreat would work during any Life Night or teen Christmas party.
3. Ask the Bible Geek II: Chapter Two. This chapter of Mark Hart’s book has 12 short Scripture reflections about Advent and Christmas. Choose a couple of these to use as discussion starters at a weekly prayer gathering for teens.
4. Ask the Bible Geek II: Chapter Two. These short reflections are also great youth minister “ammo” for the teens who stop by the office during Christmas break because they are tired of hanging out with their families. Use these as ideas to help turn ordinary conversations with teens into incarnational conversations.
5. Liturgy Planning Guide: Feast of the Holy Family. The Liturgy Planning Guide for December 30, 2007 can be a great basis for a teen Bible study between Christmas and New Year. In particular, use the “God’s Word in Their World” section.

These are just a few ideas on how to “reuse” resources in different settings. It is our hope that the Life Support resources allow you to spend less time planning and more time with teens. If you do not have these resources on your shelf, you can download them from the “member resources” page of this website. And if you are interested in receiving Life Support for your youth ministry program, please contact the Life Teen office at 480-820-7001.

We at Life Teen would like to wish you and your family a joyful, peaceful Christmas. In the midst of all the food and relatives and presents, may the feast of our Lord’s Incarnation bring a renewed passion and zeal to your desire to make Jesus present to your teenagers.