CCY Connect december edition 2025

“’Tis the season,” we hear throughout the Western world - the season for thanking everyone that you like for being like you. Wait… did I say that wrong? Maybe not. It does seem like that’s the direction the world has been heading. As our culture grows less Christian (as if it ever truly was), we as Christ-followers must remember who is leading this rebellion: satan - the author of lies, prideful, fierce, cruel, powerful, subtle, and deceitful. So when we interact with people who don’t like us, who are we dealing with? God’s beloved children. That’s who. How, then, are we supposed to handle these moments? Jesus answered this clearly: Mark 12:30–31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.” Not so easy, right? What does it truly mean to love? Thankfully, we are given instructions. Scripture tells us love is patient and kind. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. It rejoices in the truth. When we interact with family or strangers who seem to attack the very foundations of our faith, kindness does not always come naturally. Kind words, kind actions, even a kind facial expression, can be difficult. But I believe the first step is to hold our tongue and think before we respond. Consider where the negativity is coming from—the enemy. satan has twisted, confused, and manipulated many into believing that Christ-followers are the source of the world’s problems. But Jesus said: Love them anyway. Be kind in your response. Stand up for Jesus. Be the light He calls us to be. Respect their opinions, but wear the full armor of God so that you can withstand the spiritual attack. Nothing frustrates the enemy more than loving the people he wants us to hate. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We cannot win hearts by attacking people. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with prayer, we can know how to respond, how to act, and what to say. Listen before reacting. Ask: What is God telling me in this moment? As we walk through today and tomorrow, let’s be the light. Smile. Be kind. Stand up for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by being patient and slow to anger. And maybe, just maybe, we will have opportunities with family who have pushed us away so that we can demonstrate real love. Who will help them see Jesus if it isn’t me?

If there’s one thing God has been teaching me lately, it is patience. And if there’s one group of people God uses to teach me that lesson daily, it is working with our teenagers. I truly love our students. But let me tell you, nothing tests your patience like waiting 15 minutes for everyone to finally stop arguing about who gets to play Xbox next or who is up next for pickleball. Or trying to start Bible study while half the room is passionately debating whether a boneless wing is just a sauced chicken nugget or not. (side note: it 100% is. Bone in wings are the only TRUE wings.) But God uses these moments to remind me of something deeper: waiting is part of spiritual growth. Scripture calls us to embrace God’s timing with trust instead of frustration. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Waiting isn’t passive, but it is an active choice to trust that God sees what we can’t and knows what we don’t. It’s faith in slow motion. In youth ministry, we plant a lot of seeds that take a long time to grow. Sometimes I wonder if anything is sinking in… and then, months later, a student says something that makes it clear God has been working the entire time. It’s a reminder that spiritual maturity grows like trees, not like microwavable popcorn. Let’s be honest, if God can be patient with us (our wandering hearts, our repeated mistakes, our “I got this… oh wait, no I don’t”) then surely we can learn to be patient with His timing. Galatians 6:9 shows us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The “proper time” is God’s time. And he’s never been late, not once. So whatever you’re waiting on right now… answers, direction, healing, hope… Remember: God is not ignoring you. He’s preparing you. He’s working even when we don’t see it. In the meantime, if you’d like some extra practice in patience… I happen to know a youth group that meets every Wednesday. We’ll save you a seat. (Bonus points if you bring REAL wings with you)

The Christmas season is a time of hope, generosity, and love...three things our church family embodies so well. On Saturday, December 6th, from 10 AM–2 PM, we have the joy and privilege of hosting our annual Christmas Extravaganza, a beloved outreach that blesses families in our community with gifts, crafts, lunch, and the love of Jesus. But this ministry doesn’t happen on its own. This event isn’t just an opportunity to give, it’s a chance to serve. We need YOU to make it possible. Whether you’re 8 or 80, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. When we serve together, we become the hands and feet of Christ to a world that desperately needs His light. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:13, “Serve one another humbly in love.” And Jesus Himself said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 This is our moment to shine.

Opportunities to Serve

There is a volunteer role for every personality, every ability, and every schedule. Prayerfully consider where you can jump in:

• Sorting & Staging – Help organize donated items to ensure everything is ready for the big day. We will have the gym ready for sorting starting this Tuesday. Come and go as you have time.
• Set-up begins Tuesday at 8:30 am and continues throughout the week.
• Shopping Helpers – Walk alongside families as they choose gifts for their loved ones.
• Kid’s Craft Area – Assist children with crafts while parents shop. (Big need for volunteers!)
• Greeters & Hosts – Offer warm smiles and Christ-like hospitality to every guest.
• Prayer Partners – Pray with families, share encouragement, and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas.
• Traffic & Parking Team – Direct vehicles safely as they enter the northwest parking lot.
• Clean-Up Crew – Help restore the church after the event, leaving it ready for Sunday worship.

Each role matters. Each volunteer makes a difference.

Event Details

Set-Up Day: Tuesday, December 2nd at 8:30 AM. We need volunteers to prepare the gym and begin staging items. Come and go throughout the week as your schedule allows. Christmas Extravaganza: Saturday, December 6th, 10 AM–2 PM. Please arrive by 9 am the day of the event so we can be ready and in place, ready for our guests as we open the doors at 10 am.

Ready to Serve?

Visit www.ccyok.com/christmasextravaganza to learn more and sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities. This Christmas, let’s shine the light of Jesus into our community. Invite your friends, your family, your small group and serve together. Together, we can make a lasting impact… one family at a time.