Youth Worker BOOST (Christmas Edition): Expectation
ym360 knows youth workers. We know what an incredibly rewarding, yet incredibly challenging job youth ministry can be. There are days when your spirits are sky-high, and there are days when you could use a bit of a “pick me up” from God’s Word . . .
That’s why we’re happy to offer Youth Worker Boost, one of the many valuable resources on the ym360 Blog. Boost is a short, weekly piece of encouragement designed to, well, “boost” your spirits and encourage you as you minister to students.
We consider it yet another great opportunity to serve you and your ministry.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.–Isaiah 9:6
Growing up I loved reading comic books. What I remember the most about those books was not the stories, or the illustrations, but the ads. Back in the 60′s, before consumer protection groups and truth in advertising laws, companies were allowed to advertise outlandish things to kids such as submarines, helicopters, and giant monsters.
I remember scraping some money together and sending off for an eight foot tall Frankenstein. I waited in expectation for it to arrive! I was so disappointed when my monster turned out to be a small balloon with cardboard feet!
Needless to say my fanciful expectations of ads in comic books were forever ruined.
All through the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah spoke of the coming of a child who would be the Savior for God’s people. What great expectation the people had for this Savior! That expectation was realized in a stable in the city of Bethlehem when Mary gave birth to a child, Jesus. He was everything God promised. He came to die for the sins of all people, Jew and Gentile alike. Sometimes we can become cynical because our expectations of people and things end in disillusionment. When God promises something He always exceeds our expectations. He did that with Jesus and He continues to do that in our lives each and every day.
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
–Hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744
Richard Parker has been a student minister for the past 33 years, serving at First Baptist Church in Russellville, AL for the past 23. He’s written a three volume set of Character Education curriculum for schools, has written “Character,” a year long devotional book for students, and writes Youth Worker BOOST, a weekly devotion for youthministry360.com. Richard speaks in schools as well as at various church and civic conferences.
Encouraged by today’s Youth Worker Boost? Don’t keep it a secret! Pass it along to a fellow youth worker or your adult volunteers. Share the love!
Look for a new Youth Worker Boost each Wednesday on the ym360 Blog.
Last Week’s BOOST: Reconciliation
Next Week’s BOOST: Only God Knows
Get more BOOST articles HERE!
Downloaded the ym360 FREE Christmas Lesson Yet? (Why Not?)
The FREE Lesson (with Leader’s Guide and Student Guide) teaches students that the Christmas spirit of giving goes way beyond gifts!
CLICK HERE for more info and to download your FREE lesson!
ym360 has FREE Christmas Devotions for your Students!
We’ve created 5 days of devotions based on the Christmas Story.
Download them today to help your students stay focused on Christ this Christmas. CLICK HERE to download.
