About this resource

Unexpected: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Youth Ministry Topic: Christmas Scripture: the Gospels Decorating Theme: Christmas Decorations Age Group: Students For many, the Christmas season is bursting with excitement about gifts-what's on your wish list? What surprises might be under the tree? And what about the joy of finding the perfect present for someone? But the very first Christmas was all about the best, unexpected gift that God picked out for us. In this 4-week series from the Gospels, we'll explore the Christmas story to reveal the unexpected wrapped in the gift of Jesus! So let's tie the bows and deck the halls, but most of all, let's celebrate God's unearned grace , the unexpected gift of Jesus , that God can do the unbelievable , and God's undeniable goodness . BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES Let's celebrate God's unearned grace. (The Messiah Will Be Born: Matthew 1:18-23; Romans 13:12-14; Titus 2:11-14) Let's celebrate the unexpected gift of Jesus. (An Angel Visits Mary: Luke 1:26-38; Ephesians 3:20-21; Psalm 72:18-19) Let's celebrate that God can do the unbelievable. (Jesus Our Promised Savior: Isaiah 7:14, 35:1-2a, 53:3-6; Luke 19:10) Let's celebrate God's undeniable goodness. (Worship at Jesus' Birth: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 80:1-7; Exodus 34:6-8) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, we'll see how Joseph was ready to quietly walk away when he found out about Mary's unexpected pregnancy, but God stepped in to show him the bigger plan. Because of God's love and grace, Joseph's heart changed. Let's celebrate God's unearned grace . This week, we'll discover how Mary received the unexpected news about Jesus and courageously chose to trust God's plan. Her story reminds us to embrace the most extraordinary gift God could give us. Let's celebrate the unexpected gift of Jesus . This week, we're diving into Isaiah's prophecies about Jesus' birth, the unexpected kind of savior he'd be, and how God's plan came together exactly as promised. God proved that nothing is impossible, so let's celebrate that God can do the unbelievable . This week, we'll see that kind of unexpected moment when angels told shepherds about Jesus' birth and how they ran to see him with joy. Their story reminds us that there's no denying it when God shows up, so let's celebrate God's undeniable goodness . MEMORY VERSE: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:5 (NIV)

What’s included