Quest Teens - Merry Christmas to Me - Erwin Rodriguez | 12.7.20

Quest Teens Online is launching a new holiday series called 'Merry Christmas to Me' aimed at helping viewers see Christmas in a fresh way. The focus is on celebrating the real gift of the season and inviting viewers to join their virtual Christmas party on December 11th from 4-6 pm by registering at www.christchurchusa.org/questteens. Viewers are encouraged to continue conversations through small group discussions and connect with other students.

Christmas is a magical time filled with joy, love, and giving. From the festive decorations to the delicious food and heartwarming movies, it's a season that brings people together in celebration.

The Uncomfortable Truth of Christmas Christmas is often seen as a cozy and carefree time, but the reality is that it was uncomfortable for Mary and Joseph. They had to make bold decisions and endure sacrifices in order to play their roles in God's plan. The first Christmas wasn't about comfort; it was about giving up comfort for something bigger than themselves.

Choosing God's Plan Over Comfort Mary and Joseph chose to embrace God's plan despite the discomfort it brought them. Their stories remind us that Christmas is not just about ourselves, but about being part of something much bigger. We are challenged to choose compassion over comfort, act on behalf of others, and put others before ourselves as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Reflecting on times when I've helped others, big or small, has shown me that we're all here for a purpose. Whether it's assisting someone in school or volunteering my time, these acts have reminded me of the importance of being there for others and loving them through assistance.

Helping a friend with a math problem after finishing work, despite not being good at math myself. Texted her sample problem and directions to figure it out. Happy to help and she was excited to understand the problem.

Choosing Obedience Over Comfort Obeying God means choosing obedience over comfort, just like Mary, Joseph, and Paul did. This choice impacts friendships, relationships, schools, neighborhoods, communities and the world. It's about embracing a greater cause in life.

Embracing the Gift of Grace Mary and Joseph chose to give up their comfort to be part of something extraordinary - the birth of our savior. Embracing Jesus' gift on the cross is an invitation to leave your comfort zone for compassion and watch what God can do through you.