Just Teach Sheet – Teens December Week 3 2025

Teen Track – Just Teach Sheet

December Week 3 (2025) – Gaudete Sunday
Theme: Advent & Preparation
Focus: Christian Joy – Rejoicing Because the Lord Is Near
Audience: Teens (13–18) — Faith Formation / General Catechesis

Weekly Goal

To help teens understand that Christian joy is not shallow happiness or hype, but a deep confidence rooted in Christ’s nearness.
Gaudete Sunday teaches that joy flows from truth: Jesus has come, is present now, and is coming again.

What You’ll Need

This sheet

A Bible

A quiet space for reflection

Optional: Advent wreath or candle

Opening Prayer (Daily)

Lord Jesus,
You are closer than I realise.
Teach me to rejoice in You —
not because life is easy,
but because You are faithful.
Give me a joy that doesn’t fade
and a heart that trusts You.
Amen.

Day 1 – “Rejoice… The Lord Is Near”

Teaching
On Gaudete Sunday, the Church pauses Advent’s seriousness to say one word: Rejoice.
Not because waiting is over — but because Christ is close.

Philippians 4:4–5
“Rejoice in the Lord always… The Lord is near.”

Mini Homily Reflection
Joy isn’t pretending everything is fine.
It’s knowing that God is involved — right now — even when things are unfinished.

Ask yourself

What usually steals my joy?

Do I live as if Christ is near, or distant?

Practice
Light a candle tonight and pray slowly:

“Jesus, You are near — help me live like I believe that.”

Day 2 – Joy Is Not the Same as Happiness

Teaching
Happiness depends on circumstances.
Joy depends on relationship — being loved by God and belonging to Him.

John 15:11
“That My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

CCC 1832: Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Mini Homily Reflection
You can be sad, stressed, or struggling — and still have joy.
Joy doesn’t erase pain; it gives it meaning.

Ask yourself

Where do I usually look for happiness?

What happens when those things fail?

Practice
Write down one thing that disappointed you recently.
Offer it to God and say:

“Lord, help me find my joy in You, not in results.”

Day 3 – Joy Grows from a Clean Heart

Teaching
Real joy and sin cannot live comfortably together.
That’s why the Church pairs joy (Gaudete) with repentance (Advent).

Psalm 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”

Mini Homily Reflection
Sin promises happiness but steals joy.
God’s forgiveness restores what sin damages.

Ask yourself

What habits drain my joy rather than give it?

Is there something I need to let go of this Advent?

Practice
Make a quiet examination of conscience tonight.
Ask God for forgiveness — and peace.

Day 4 – Joy Is Meant to Be Shared

Teaching
Joy multiplies when it’s given away.
The closer someone lives to Christ, the more their life brings light to others.

Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Mini Homily Reflection
Self-centred living shrinks joy.
Self-giving love expands it.

Ask yourself

Who around me needs encouragement?

How can I share Christ’s joy practically this week?

Practice
Do one hidden act of kindness — no posting, no credit, just love.

Day 5 – Joy Comes from Hope

Teaching
Christian joy is tied to hope — the certainty that God keeps His promises.
Even when life is confusing, joy flows from knowing the story ends in resurrection.

Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”

Mini Homily Reflection
The world offers distraction.
Christ offers hope — and hope gives birth to joy.

Ask yourself

What am I hoping for right now?

Do I trust God with the outcome?

Practice
End the day praying:

“Jesus, I trust You. Help me rejoice in hope.”

Weekend Wrap-Up – What We Learned

Gaudete Sunday means Rejoice — the Lord is near.

Joy is deeper than happiness.

A clean heart restores joy.

Joy grows when shared.

Hope is the foundation of Christian joy.

Reflection prompts

“My joy grows when…”

“Christ is near to me when…”

 Journal Prompts

“What steals my joy most often?”

“What would change if I really believed Christ is near?”

“How can I live more joyfully this Advent?”

Apologetics for Teens

“Why should Christians be joyful when life is hard?”
→ Because joy is rooted in truth, not comfort. Christ has conquered sin and death.

“Is joy just positive thinking?”
→ No. Joy flows from relationship with God, not mindset tricks.

“Why talk about sin and joy together?”
→ Because forgiveness restores joy. Avoiding sin protects it.

“Why does the Church interrupt Advent with joy?”
→ To remind us that waiting is not empty — Christ is already at work.

Catechism Extension

CCC 524 – Advent prepares us joyfully for Christ’s coming

CCC 736 – The Holy Spirit gives joy

CCC 1832 – Joy as fruit of the Spirit

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
thank You for being near to me.
Give me a joy the world cannot give
and cannot take away.
Help me rejoice in hope,
walk in truth,
and share Your joy with others.
Amen.