Teen Trends
Gen Z has long been known for its activism and desire for social change. YPulse conducted a survey this past August, and they just released the results for which social causes/issues Gen Z is most passionate about. Topping the list is mental health, abortion/birth control, and BLM rounds out the top two. Other issues include Racism, gun violence, poverty/homelessness/hunger, and LGBTQ+ discrimination. Regardless of where you stand politically on these issues, it's essential to know what teens care about, and what gives them purpose. This helps us to truly connect with them below the surface and provides a platform to minister to them.
Song of the Week
It's the time of year now when everyone is releasing their own versions of classic Christmas songs. Maverick City has released its take on the song Mary Did You Know?. The powerful lead singers coupled with the background of the choir sound beautiful together as always, it also has an almost ominous feel to it, which is what separates it from most other covers of this song. Regarding the lyrics, it's interesting to put ourselves in the shoes of the different characters involved in the Christmas story, and this song does this well.
Check out our running playlist of this season's songs on Spotify here.
Sermon Illustration
Have you ever stopped to think about the emotions of different Bible characters for yourself, not just listen to a preacher tell his interpretation? In the Christmas story, for example, imagine Joseph at this moment. You're getting home from a hard day and work, and your wife tells you that she's pregnant with the Son of God, which was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Knowing that you'd stayed pure, you'd think that she's absolutely out of her mind or that she's cheating on you. While the Bible doesn't tell us the story of Joseph's immediate reaction to the news, it does say that he had planned to divorce her quietly. However, an angel appeared to him in the night and confirmed what Mary had said. His emotions had to have been all over the place! He remained faithful, though. He trusted what the angel told him, despite how crazy it sounded.
Matthew 1:24-25 - When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Michaela Wickham, one of our Quest teachers, gave a great challenge for our monthly devotional last week. You can check it out here on YouTube and here on Instagram.
Encouraging Thought
Continuing with the story of Joseph, some of you might feel like you're all over the place, whether it's physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Maybe God has told you something or asked you something that makes absolutely no sense. Take encouragement from Joseph's example! I doubt your situation is crazier than your fiance claiming to have conceived through the Holy Spirit, and if Joseph can still choose to trust God, so can you!
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The vision of the Student Leader Weekly is to empower high schoolers (alongside adult leadership) with practical ministry ideas.