Youth Group Christmas Lesson on Scandal: Transform How Students View the Nativity

In 'The Scandal of Christmas,' students will uncover the deeper, often overlooked realities of Jesus' birth. This series reveals how the nativity wasn't just a quaint story but a radical transformation event that challenged the norms of its time. Through this lesson, your youth group will explore the unexpected ways God fulfilled His promises, inviting them to see their faith in a new light.

Why the Scandal of Christmas Matters for Today's Students

Today's students face immense pressure to conform to societal norms, experiencing anxiety and identity struggles intensified by social media. The story of Jesus' birth challenges these expectations, showing that true faith often means embracing the unexpected and controversial. According to Pew Research, Gen Z is increasingly identifying as non-religious, making it crucial for them to connect with the radical truth of the Gospel. By understanding the scandal of Jesus' birth, students can find courage to stand firm in their faith amidst cultural pressures.

What Your Students Will Walk Away With

• A deeper understanding of Jesus' birth beyond the traditional nativity scene.
• Courage to stand firm in their faith, even when it defies societal expectations.
• Insight into how God uses unexpected methods to fulfill His promises.
• Encouragement to trust God's plan even when it seems scandalous.

Series Overview: The Scandal of Christmas

This 3-week series takes students on a journey through the unexpected events surrounding Jesus' birth. Each week delves into a different scandal, from Mary's pregnancy to the Magi's journey, emphasizing how these events defied cultural norms. For a detailed look at the series, explore the full The Scandal of Christmas series.

Week 1: The First Scandal

The first week focuses on Matthew 1:18-25, where Mary's scandalous pregnancy unfolds. This passage challenges students to see beyond appearances and trust in God's mysterious ways. Use a story about current social scandals to engage students, then reveal how Mary's story was the ultimate scandal that fulfilled Isaiah 7:14. Boldly state the bottom line: Things aren't always as they seem.

Week 2: The Scandal of Letting Go

In week two, explore Philippians 2:6-8, where Jesus' humility is highlighted. Discuss how Jesus, despite being God, let go of His divine rights to serve humanity. This scandalous act teaches students the power of letting go of their own privileges to serve others. The bottom line: When you let go, then you can let God.

Week 3: The Journey Is Worth It

The final week covers Matthew 2:1-18, focusing on the Magi's journey. This story illustrates perseverance in faith, encouraging students to pursue Jesus even when the journey feels impossible. Use a road trip story to hook students and emphasize the bottom line: The journey to Jesus is always worth it.

Discussion Questions to Get Your Students Talking

1. When you think of the word "scandal," what comes to mind?
2. Do you think of the Bible as a book of "scandal"? Why or why not?
3. What goes through your mind when you hear that Jesus gave up His power as God to serve you and die for you?
4. Why do you think the wise men decided to keep going despite how hard the journey was?
5. What area of your life is God calling you to trust Him, regardless of how it looks?

How to Teach This Series

Set up your room with a cozy, intimate feel to encourage open discussion. Use the bumper video to introduce each week's theme. Structure your teaching block with an engaging opener, scripture exploration, and a clear bottom line. For small groups, encourage students to share personal experiences related to each week's theme. Adapt your approach for different group sizes by using breakout groups or whole-group discussions.

What's Included When You Get the Full Series

With the full series, you'll receive editable sermon outlines in PDF, DOCX, and Google Docs formats, along with series graphics, title slides, a bumper video, small group discussion questions, and social media graphics. Everything you need to preach this Wednesday is included. Visit see everything in the The Scandal of Christmas series for more details. Members also get access to all 200+ series.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does each Christmas lesson take? Each lesson is designed to take 30-45 minutes, allowing for teaching and discussion time.
• What age group is this series designed for? This series is ideal for middle school and high school students, ages 12-18.
• Can I customize the outlines? Yes, the outlines are fully editable, allowing you to tailor the content to your group's needs.
• What scripture does this series cover? The series covers key passages such as Matthew 1:18-25, Philippians 2:6-8, and Matthew 2:1-18.
• Is there a free trial available? Yes, you can access a free sample lesson from this series to try it with your group.
• How can I adapt the series for different group sizes? Use breakout groups for larger groups or facilitate whole-group discussions for smaller groups.