Christmas Challenge

Hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. Depending on where you are across North America, the snow is falling or soon will be falling. The familiar melody of I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas may come true this year.

But with the hustle and bustle of Christmas also comes the unique opportunity for you to do something different in youth group. It’s a great time to step out of the norm of regular teachings and game nights and be revolutionary. Be intentional this year and bring your youth group out into your community for the next month! Spread the Christmas cheer of Christ's birth once a week for four weeks! Are you ready to take the challenge?  Just imagine if every youth group leader that reads The Network takes the challenge—youth all across North America will be actively sharing the message of Christ in communities from coast-to-coast.

Are YOU willing to take the challenge?

Here are 15 things you can do with your youth group over the next month:

1. On Christmas eve, there are people working 24-hour shifts at convenience stores, emergency rooms, etc. Go and bring them a plate of baked goods or a turkey meal
2. Walk your local downtown streets handing out hot chocolate and hot dogs
3. Go door-to-door singing Christmas carols
4. Shovel the snow off of people’s driveways for free
5. Host a community Christmas party at your church
6. Do a ‘random act of culture’ at your local mall – get a group of youth and start singing Joy to the World. (Check this out)
7. Go to a seniors' home and decorate their lobby and Christmas tree
8. Invite homeless people to your church and offer to do their laundry while you serve them a Christmas meal
9. Offer to hang up Christmas lights in your community
10. Depending on where you are, have an open-air showing of A Christmas Carol, A Muppets Christmas Carol or The Nativity
11. Make Christmas baskets and randomly place them on people’s doors steps
12. Write letters and make Christmas cards and mail them to our military troops - local and oversees
13. Do a community fundraiser and buy goats or pigs for Africa through CRWM (Canada  USA)
14. Go to people’s homes at night and build a snowman in their front yard with a sign saying ‘Blessed Christmas’
15. Send a Christmas basket to your Mayor and various city council members wishing them a blessed Christmas and thanking them for their service to your community

These are just a few ideas but I am sure if you sit down with your fellow ministry team you can come up with another 15 great ideas to be revolutionary this Christmas season. So starting now, take the challenge!

If you dare and are willing to take the challenge and be part of the movement, tell us what you’re going to do and when. We would love to hear your stories.

Joy to the World the Lord has come!!!