Dear ACC Families,

In your 2022 year, you may have endured some hardships and celebrated some great news. Some of you may still be going through something difficult and the future is uncertain. 

As I think about Jesus and the challenges He faced even as a child, I’m reminded of several instances in Jesus’ life where things didn’t go smoothly at first.

In Matthew 1:18-21, Joseph was already betrothed to Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. To avoid public shame on Mary, Joseph was planning to secretly divorce her. But, an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph and told him that the baby that Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph stayed with Mary. God saved their marriage.

In Luke 2:6-7, there was no room for Joseph and Mary to stay when they returned to Bethlehem to be registered for the census. However, when Jesus was born, there was a place for Him to lay His head. God provided shelter for this family.

In Matthew 2:13-18, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus, then a toddler, to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree to kill all the children in Bethlehem that were 2-years-old and under. God protected this family.

God had a plan and purpose for Jesus’ life and He made sure to take care of His Son until His promises were fulfilled. God has a plan for you and your family. Even through difficulties, God can help you in your marriage, your parenting, your needs, and any challenges you may be facing. God can keep families together and He can help yours, too.

Look back on your 2022 and see how God has been working in your lives.

God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas season as you celebrate His birth. Happy 2023.

Teacher Francisco