Dear Sonrise Families,
We have entered my favorite time of the year! I have wonderful memories as a child spending the holidays with my family. As my siblings and I grew older, many things changed. However, our traditions remained the same. Every Christmas Eve we’d spend the day making tamales and pozole and stayed up until midnight to open one gift. On Christmas morning, we’d race to the living room to excitedly open our remaining gifts and enjoy leftovers for breakfast. Though we were grateful for (and certainly looked forward to) the gifts underneath the tree, our parents reminded us that the gifts were not the reason for celebration.
Next Christmas, my husband and I will be celebrating the holidays with our own son. I look forward to introducing him to the many family traditions we keep. But I most look forward to my son growing up with the knowledge and understanding of the savior that was given to us that day. As you prepare to celebrate with your families, I hope that Christ remains the center of all things. The most valuable gift we have on earth is the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ for all who believe. What a gift!
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
With love and gratitude,
Mrs. Hernandez