Merry Christmas! We hope you all have a fantastic break from school (do I hear cheering?) and a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Savior. Enjoy this take on a classic carol from Hawk Nelson.

~ Halee

P.S. If you need to talk, we’re still here: realteenfaith(at)gmail.com.

Hey everybody! I’d like to introduce you to our newest staff writer, Matthew VanTryon. We’re excited to have him join our team, so be expecting to read more from him! Also, we know you’re all busy (as are we!) so we’ve decided to extend the deadline for our giveaway to January 12. All you have to do is leave a comment on any of our new posts and you’ll be entered! (For example, you could leave Matthew a comment welcoming him!) ~ Halee

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

What you have always wanted! How to make this the best Christmas ever in three easy steps…

Ok so not really. However, hopefully this post will be encouraging and give you some ideas for the upcoming holiday season. (more…)

Welcome back! Here’s the rest of my music gift ideas (and don’t forget to leave a comment about your favorite Christian music song/album to be entered to win a cd!).

Pop

Reinvention by Superchick

This pop/rock album is full of songs that will make you want to get out of your seat. From Cross the Line which boldly declares, “Revolutions start when someone crosses the line,” with support from bass, electric guitars, and strong drum beats, to Let It Roll, which almost has the feel of a reggae ballad, this group belts out messages of life. In true Superchick fashion, all of these songs highlight the experiences of everyday people, and combine them with personal promises to really live instead of watching and worrying. Anyone on your gift list will be able to relate to Superchick’s lyrics. (more…)

Everyone loves music. But everyone has a personal preference for style, so this week I’m highlighting some awesome Christian music from in a range of sub-genres. Got a friend who likes rock? Pick up a cd from Stryper. Want a little hip-hop? LeCrae’s got you covered. You get the idea.

All of these Christian artists/groups are super-talented musically and lyrically. You can click on their names to check out their websites. Oh, and you could win one of these cds… read on to find out how!

Rock

Awake by Skillet

Chock full of electric and bass guitars, powered by dominant drum beats, and resonating with grunge-style vocals, this cd holds everything you love about rock music. From start to finish, these songs have a classic Skillet sound without being one-note. Each one has its own unique sound, from the hardcore Hero to the softer, raspy croonings of Don’t Wake Me and Lucy. The whole cd has a musical theme that a rock lover will appreciate, coupled with positive lyrics of faith and life. (more…)

by Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

Every Christmas, for as long as I can remember, my dad—with the help of my mom—would set up a treasure hunt for my older sister and me. And every Christmas, my sister and I knew that whatever we would find at the end of the hunt would be the biggest gift ever. (more…)

There’s a crazy trend going around this Christmas. While you’re out shopping, you might just experience a random act of culture. This particular one happened at a mall food court. Check it out!

Sometimes it’s impossible to find the right gift for someone. So if you find yourself trying to choose between the 143rd tie you’ve given your dad or the 121st pair of slippers, read on! These charities offer you the opportunity to honor someone by giving a gift in their name. It’s one gift your parents are bound to approve of and appreciate.

Samaritan’s Purse

This Christian organization is committed to providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Their fabulous Christmas gift catalog gives you tons of awesome options for charitable gifts. You even have the option to pay for all of one item or share in the price of a larger project, like providing a doctor. (more…)

by Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

It had been a long day. Josh was just one kid in a huge crowd. For hours they had been following the Teacher, waiting to hear him speak or do anything, really. Wherever he went, he did amazing things and no one wanted to miss it.

But they’d been following him for hours and boy, was Josh hungry. Looking around, he found a comfy spot in the grass and sat down. He pulled a bundle out of his bag and carefully unwrapped it – fish sandwiches, his favorite. Mmm, Josh could smell the fresh bread and the – “Does anyone here have any food?” (more…)