Let Your Light Shine

Dear ACC Families,

Happy Chinese New Year!

February 5, 2023 is the date of the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar. The Chinese had a few reasons to celebrate the Lantern Festival (read sources below). Many cultures have used the Lunar Calendar, including the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Lanterns were only lit up during the night when it was hard to see. People have used the moonlight to see in the nighttime for centuries. Light is important for us to see clearly to avoid danger and trouble, but also to see God’s beauty in our families and His creation. 

Jesus is the Light of the World. Jesus is our Beacon and Lighthouse to deliver us from this dark world. He warns us of this world’s dangers, but He also brings hope, shelter and salvation. Jesus also commands us to represent Him and to be little lights in this world.

Sources: 

https://studycli.org/chinese-holidays/lantern-festival/

https://www.livingwiththemoon.com/origin-moon-calendar/

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Whatever you do and whoever you interact with during your Chinese New Year celebrations, remember to be a light to this world… that your words and deeds may glorify our Heavenly Father. We represent Jesus who is The Light of the World.

Song (YouTube): Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah)

Teacher Francisco

God Keeps Families Together

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

Fulfill His Mission, Fulfill Your Ministry

Dear Awana and Sunday School Teachers,

February 2021 was a difficult month for us with the continuation of the COVID pandemic, a beloved pastor resigning, and the record winter freeze. We know that challenges in life occur often, but rarely do so many major events occur within such a short period of time. These are times when our faith in God can really be tested. These are times when it’s easy to find strength on our own or seek human consolation. But, God reminds us in Deuteronomy 31:6 to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Not only will God never leave us, He is also with us as we continue to fulfill His mission. In the case of ACC Kids and Awana, I want to encourage you with the following Bible verses.

2 Tim. 3:16 – 4:5 (ESV)

3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

God has put every one of you in a unique position to use God’s Word to teach, rebuke, correct and train the kids at ACC. Each week, you prove your readiness in guiding our precious ACC Kids in God’s Truth, not just in word but also in deed. I consider all of you shepherds and evangelists doing the work of ministry. So, I encourage you to keep steady in your walk with the Lord that He may use you to fulfill the ministry that He has called you. 

Thank you all for your faithful service to the Lord and to our kids… Bless you!!!

Teacher Francisco

Trusting in God’s Names in the New Year

Dear ACC Families,

The year 2020 will end in a few hours and we will embark on 2021 with a renewed vision and hope that the New Year will be better than the one we are leaving behind. Because social unrest, the Presidential election, and the pandemic dominated most of our 2020 concerns, many of us struggled to some extent with hopelessness, relationships, mental health, physical health, finances, and other important issues. Whatever life stage you are in, 2020 was a difficult year.

In 2021, America will have a new president. A new presidential administration and its decision-making will affect our daily lives. A COVID-19 vaccine will become more readily available throughout the year. We may be entitled to a few more stimulus checks. Some of us will find a new job or change jobs. Other surprises will be on the way.

But depending on how you viewed the year 2020, 2021 may be worse for some of us. All of the struggles I mentioned above could become even worse or could be compounded with even more issues. There is no guarantee that things will be better.

While it’s easy to trust in our own abilities and the people in our lives to make things better, we were never supposed to rely fully on them. We always should rely fully on God for everything.

Our ACC Christmas Eve service focused on many of the names of Jesus and what those names mean to us. Those names bring comfort and assurance from our Lord. We must always remember what Jesus means to us as Emmanuel (God with us), the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, Wonderful Counselor, and Savior. In the coming year, let’s continue to reflect on these names. But, I’d like to add a few more names as we enter the year 2021 with much uncertainty, anticipation, and curiosity. Whatever our needs, whether financial, health, or other concerns, God doesn’t just provide the answer, HE is the answer.

PROVIDER (Jehovah-Jireh)

For some, it’s easy to expect our family, employer, the government (stimulus checks, tax returns) or even lotto tickets to rescue us from financial struggles. That should not be so. The Bible, in the Old and New Testament, makes it very clear that God is our provider of every need.

Genesis 22:13-14 (ESV)

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

HEALER (Jehovah-Rapha)

Jesus is often referred to as the Great Physician. While people are not fully healed from all illnesses and diseases, it’s not because Jesus is not able to heal anymore. We live in a fallen world. But we can continue to pray for the sick because we know that God can and does heal. There is also a distinction between being healed by medical professionals and God healing us through medical professionals. Even after medicines, surgeries and treatments, God is still working on our bodies to heal us.

Exodus 15:26 (ESV)

… saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

Matthew 8:16-17 (ESV)

16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

PEACE (Jehovah-Shalom)

It’s understandable that we have stress about our health and the health of our family members, especially during a pandemic. When companies are laying off employees and businesses are closing, it’s easy to worry about where our next paycheck will come from. Finding peace may have been difficult in 2020 and can carry over into 2021, but our God is also the God of peace.

Judges 6:22-24 (ESV)

22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” 23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.

John 14:27 (ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

On behalf of my family, we wish you all a Happy New Year and let us all continue to trust in our Almighty God to provide for our needs, health, and peace.

Teacher Francisco

Thank God He Said “NO”

In this season of Thanksgiving, we often thank God for all His many blessings in the form of human relationships, prosperity, property, and other opportunities. It’s not hard to see the people and the things that God has blessed us with. When God answers our prayers the way we hope, we easily rejoice. Praise flows much easier.

But, what about the times when God seems to say “no” to us when relationships don’t work out, when jobs are lost, or when we lose a family member? It’s much harder to praise God. However, in our loss, we can see that God’s blessings are still there if we realize that God still hears our prayers and He is still in control.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

When I was still single, I tried to ask several women to go on a date with me. Most of them said “no”. If there was a relationship, it didn’t work out. God said “no” many times.

I worked for one telephone/media company for 23 years before joining the ACC staff. I was laid off twice during that time. The first time was in 1999 when they reduced our department from 14 to 7 employees. The other time was in 2015 when our department had to reduce staff because people no longer use telephone books/yellow pages. God said “no” twice.

My mom died in Feb., 2018. On Thanksgiving weekend of 2017, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had already spread to her brain. My mom declined to have surgery or treatment. The doctors gave her 3 months to live. She died almost 3 months later. God said “no”.

Throughout these many disappointments in life, it was easy to feel sad and “drown in my sorrows”. But, over time, I learned that some mysteries of God can only be understood when He rejects certain things that our hearts desire because He has something better. God says “no” because He is saying “yes” to something better.

When I see my wonderful wife, Ming, and how unique she is to me, I am very thankful. Both of us grew up in Spain and our families know each other. Not just our parents, but our aunts and uncles know each other. I can count very few people in this world that share the similar life experiences that my wife and I share, even before we met. While we are not compatible in everything, God answered my prayers for an extended family that gets along well. We both enjoy trying food from all over the world. We enjoy travelling and have many similarities. She is the opposite of me in many ways that compliment my personality and temperament.

All of this would not have been possible if the women I met in the past had said “yes” to me or I held on to relationships that were not what God had intended for my life. It was hard to be rejected and to struggle in singleness well into my mid-30s. But, I look back now and I am very thankful for the family that I have.

When I got laid off in 1999, I had only worked for 3 years after college. My future was still uncertain and my job skills were not very career-specific with a Communication/Advertising degree. I was happy with my first job, but what would I do after my layoff? It turns out, I was able to find a new job in the same company in a different building and department. 

The new job required me to 1) train people, 2) write training manuals and 3) understand the software in the new department. I had no prior experience in any of those 3 areas. There were much more qualified candidates for the new job. I didn’t have any social network with the company to have someone help me get this new job. Also, I got a raise and the new work building was closer to my home and the church where I was also serving at the time. The new job turned out to be a huge improvement in every way as I learned new skills that I still use today as a children’s pastor. Praise God!

When I got laid off in 2015, I was able to find another job in the same company. While my salary was significantly reduced, I was able to learn the internet business and how to manage websites. I am now able to update the Children’s Ministry pages on ACC’s website. God said “no” in my career many other times, but He always has a greater plan in mind.

My family and I were very sad when my mother passed away in 2018. My mom never complained in her final 3 months and was very grateful for her full life. She was happy for me and my siblings because we are all married and have children. She kept praising my dad for being such a great helper when she was in hospice. God kept us together as we continued to trust Him. He reminded me that my mother accepted Christ almost a year before she passed away. That reminder gave me tremendous peace and I realized that she would be in a much better place with no more suffering after she passed away.

In the 1990s, there was a popular Country song called “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks. The chorus goes like this:

Sometimes I thank God 
For unanswered prayers 
Remember when you’re talkin’ 
To the man upstairs 
That just because he doesn’t answer 
Doesn’t mean he don’t care 
‘Cause some of God’s greatest gifts
Are unanswered prayers

The song lyrics aren’t completely accurate. God always answers prayers, but He doesn’t always say “Yes”. A lot of times He says “No”. But, the heart of the song is that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want Him to. Although we may be disappointed in God’s answer to our prayers at first, I hope we can all eventually see that God has a better plan and purpose for us even if our prayers are often short-sighted. We must be patient to allow God to work in our lives.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Praise God during the Thanksgiving holiday for all His many blessings, including the times He says “no” to us.

Here’s a great article about teaching our children to have gratitude:
10 Ways to Build Gratitude Into Our Children’s Hearts

Happy Thanksgiving to all and please stay safe! Have a blessed holiday.

Teacher Francisco

The Lockdown in Genesis

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Jason spoke about the “Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday” and what the disciples must have gone through as they mourned the death of Jesus before He was resurrected. PJ said that we are going through a similar “Saturday” period right now during the coronavirus pandemic.

As I reflected on his message, I was reminded of another time in the Bible where a family was in lockdown for an extended period of time.

Genesis 6-9

God told Noah to build the ark. Once Noah, his family, and all the animals entered the ark, God “shut him in”. 

Gen. 7:15-16 (ESV)

15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in. 

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Then the waters lasted another 150 days. A couple of months would pass before the mountaintops would appear again. There was another 40 days that passed along with several weeks of letting birds out and having them return. In all, many estimate the length of time that Noah and the animals remained locked in to be around 364 to 371 days based on the calendar system of the time. Basically, Noah and his family were in the ark for about a year.

Sources
https://creation.com/how-long-was-noah-on-the-ark
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/biblical-overview-of-the-flood-timeline/
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_739.cfm

Other than sending out different birds to see how much the water had receded, little is known about what Noah and his family did while they were stuck in the ark for a year.

So, what did Noah and his family do during “shelter-in-place” in the ark?

While it’s not completely clear, a further study into Genesis will reveal more.

1. Noah worshiped God
In chapter 6, it says that Noah was righteous, blameless, and he walked with God. Based on that description, I’m pretty sure Noah continued to worship God in the ark. So, we should keep worshiping God while we are at home. Walk with Him.

Gen. 6:9 (ESV)

… Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

2. Noah took care of the ark’s inhabitants
Noah was instructed to store up food for the extended stay. The food that Noah collected was plants… to be used to feed his family and all of the animals. Noah and his family spent time caring for the animals’ needs like cleaning them and nursing any possible injuries. And think of all the animal waste they had to dispose of. This was not a cruise ship with several hundred crew members to handle every need. There were only 8 of them. They had plenty of work to do to ensure that the last of every male and female of every species survived. And there were possibly babies of the animals that were born in the ark.

Gen. 6:19-22 (ESV)

19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. 21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

3. Noah and his family anticipated a new beginning
When the waters over the earth started to recede, the ark settled on the mountains of Ararat. Noah would release a raven and a dove at separate times to see if they would return. If they did not return, it meant that they found a place to settle over dry land.

Before boarding the ark, God told Noah that He would destroy every living thing on the earth with the flood waters. So, Noah anticipated a new beginning as they were about to end their confinement in the ark.

Gen. 8:6-7, 12 (ESV)

6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made 7 and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 12 Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.

Gen. 7:4-5 (ESV)

4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” 5 And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.

4. Noah commemorated God’s protection 
Altars were built in the Old Testament for animal sacrifices, to commemorate an event by God, or as a memorial to God’s provision or protection.

Gen. 8:20 (ESV)

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

So, what should we do during our stay-at-home orders?

While Texas is slowly opening up again, schools will remain closed and some businesses will not be fully opened yet. Let’s look to Noah’s example while he was in the ark for a year on what we can do. And be thankful that we could still leave our homes during the pandemic.

1. Noah worshiped God 
– Continue to worship our Almighty God
– Spend time with Him in prayer and in the Bible
– Sing praises to God

2. Noah took care of the ark’s inhabitants
– Take care of yourself and members of your household (and pets)
– Be patient and kind to each other- Worship God together

3. Noah and his family anticipated a new beginning
– God knew this pandemic was going to happen before it happened, so there is a purpose for this
– Use this time to reflect on what God wants you to learn about yourself
– Ask God how you can use these lessons for His glory

4. Noah commemorated God’s protection
– We don’t have to build an altar, but we should be thankful for God’s provision and protection during the pandemic
– Remember how He took care of you during this time
– Ask God how you can help others who are struggling during the pandemic


Thanks again for your faithfulness to God. I miss seeing all of you and partnering to serve the children together. 

God bless you all!

Teacher Francisco

“He has risen; he is not here.”

Hi ACC Parents,

Imagine bringing flowers to a gravesite to remember a loved one who has passed. Upon arrival, you see a huge pile of dirt beside a large hole on the ground. You check the tombstone or grave marker to make sure you are in the right place. You are! In your shock, you walk up to look inside the hole to find that the casket where your loved one was laid to rest is now open and empty! You look around wondering who took your loved one’s body. Your mind is racing and you are throttled with the mixed emotions of confusion, fear, anger, and sadness. You may be wondering “WHO WOULD DO THIS??”.

A little over 2000 years ago, a similar scene occurred when several women went to visit the tomb of their beloved teacher. They may have experienced the same confusion and emotions mentioned above. But, in this particular case, they were given the assurance that their Teacher is now alive.

Mark 16:6 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

(Also Matt. 28:6)

Their Teacher, the Son of God, the Christ Jesus, rose from the grave to deliver all people from sin so that all can have a relationship with God the Father. But, that’s not all. He now sits at the right hand of God and prays on our behalf. It is no wonder that this amazing story of love and redemption has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. But, these events are not just part of a story. It actually happened. JESUS IS ALIVE!

Romans 8:34 (ESV)

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

(Also Col. 3:1)

John 3:16 (ESV) 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Teacher Francisco

Fear Not; We Have Overcome The World

Hi ACC Parents,

If you have been following the news recently, you are aware that many people in the DFW area have been stocking up on supplies. Due to fear and uncertainty, some have been hoarding up toilet paper and other basic necessities. 

The Bible reminds us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. Also, if we believe and trust God, then we are His children and we have overcome the world. We need not fear the coronavirus and lose faith. Trust that God will get us through this epidemic.

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 John 5: 2-5 (ESV)

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I pray that every family will be safe from COVID-19 and that God will bless your extended family time together. Bless you all!

Teacher Francisco

New Year Reminders of New Things

Hi Faithful Teachers and Volunteers,

Another new year has come, both western and lunar calendars, and I wish you all a great 2020.

As I thought about what to look towards for the new year, a few “new” things that the Bible mentions are great reminders for us as Christians and as teachers of God’s Word.

A. God Made A New Covenant Through Jesus
B. The Lord’s Mercies Are New Every Morning
C. We Are A New Creation & Ambassadors

GOD MADE A NEW COVENANT THROUGH JESUS

Hebrews 9: 13-15 (ESV)

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

(See also Hebrews 8)

Praise God that we no longer follow the old covenant of sacrificing the blood of goats and bulls by a high priest for our sins. Jesus fulfilled the law as our High Priest and our Sacrifice once for all. And He rose again! This is the Gospel message. So, what do we do with this message?

2 Corinthians 3: 5-6 (ESV)

5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

God has made us “sufficient to be ministers” to share the Gospel message of the new covenant. We didn’t earn anything to be sufficient. God made us sufficient when He sent His only Son to die on the cross and we believed. Every week, you teach the kids about the new covenant of Jesus. Praise the Lord for using you all!

THE LORD’S MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING

Lamentations 3: 22-24 (ESV)

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 
his mercies never come to an end; 
23 they are new every morning
great is your faithfulness. 
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 
“therefore I will hope in him.”

What is “Mercy”? Merriam-Webster defines it as “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power”. We are sinners and God showed His mercy not just when Jesus died on the cross for us, but His mercies are new every morning… every single day. Rejoice in knowing that God saved us and is daily cleansing us.

WE ARE A NEW CREATION & AMBASSADORS

2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The New Covenant brought forth New Mercies every morning so that we can be a New Creation. We are no longer defined by our old sinful selves, but we are a new creation because Jesus’ blood covers us. We are adopted into God’s Kingdom. We are children of the Living God. And God has given us an assignment to be His ambassadors to share this Good News.


Thank you all for your commitment to serve and teach the ACC Kids on Sundays and Fridays. Your love and faith in God shines through and I pray that you experience God more and more as you work with the children.

Teacher Francisco

Share Christ During Christmas

Hi ACC Teachers and Volunteers,

When I think about all of the non-believers I used to work with over the 20+ years in my old company, I wonder how many of them I could have shared more seriously about the true meaning of Christmas. Some grew up in the church and fell away, while others have a very negative view of Christianity or religion. Some would make fun of Christians in general, while others were respectful of all religious beliefs. 

On some occasions when I would share a bit about my faith, I learned that I worked with quite a few Christians. I used to sit by a Youth Pastor. Others viewed themselves as Jesus’ Light at the workplace. I used to be a part of a Bible study at work on Wednesdays during lunch breaks in the early 2000s. At one point, we had around 20 people in and out of our meetings. If I ever visited a cube and saw a scripture verse on their wall, I would point it out and we’d have conversations about faith and the Bible. Many times people would ask me to pray for them… and some former co-workers still do!

Other times, people would be more challenging by disputing the Truth of God’s Word by using worldly logic and histories to try to disprove the Bible. Others actually viewed themselves as god-like. And others just needed proof that God was real.

No matter who I encountered in the old workplace, God was always real to me. He was the One constant Rock in my days and weeks and years at work. If I was more aware, I would pray to be useful to God on my way to work. Some days, I think I touched some lives. He allowed me to be patient when I had no patience. He allowed me to be encouraging when I didn’t feel encouraged. He allowed me to be helpful when I didn’t feel like helping others. God is AMAZING!!

This same AMAZING GOD sent His Son to Earth as a little baby over 2000 years ago to change the world… to turn traditions, culture, values, and laws upside down. He transformed lives by touching them, speaking life into them, and dying for them… and FOR US. 

As you celebrate Christmas with your families this year, celebrate Christ our Savior and marvel at His humble beginnings. Celebrate Him and when you go back to work or back to your regular lives, be His Light and share Christ and His Love with others. God can and will use you. Pray that God will use you in the workplace, in the marketplace, in the grocery stores, in the gas stations, at birthday parties, at funerals… wherever you go.

Merry Christmas to you all and be safe.

See you all next year!

Teacher Francisco