Betty decided not to “do” holidays this year. It’s too soon after her husband’s death. She didn’t have the family over for Thanksgiving like they’d always done. It just wouldn’t be the same without John.

Instead, they met at her daughter’s house.  John kept coming up in conversations, but his smile and his laugh were missing.

Betty had already told them that she wasn’t doing Christmas either. In fact, she wasn’t even going to decorate, except maybe put the wreath on the front door.

Then a granddaughter appealed. She said, “Gram, can’t we have Christmas at your house? Without Pop, it’s not the same anywhere, but it won’t seem like Christmas if we aren’t together at your house. Can’t we come?”

Betty put up a tree and lights in the window. Yes, it’s hard. With John gone, there’s a big hole. It’ll be hard no matter where they gather, but she’ll host the gathering as in years past.

She’s keeping up tradition to bring the family together and ease the loss for her kids.

Love for the kids is propelling her to sacrifice and go beyond her personal comfort. As I’ve prayed for Betty this season, I’ve realized that’s what Christmas is all about.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16). It was for His kids. Because He loved (loves) them so.

In all their best efforts, God’s children couldn’t measure up, God sent His Son to show them the way to live. More importantly, Jesus made a way for those children to fellowship with the Father for eternity, not just for an annual tradition.

And there’s more. He spread out His arms and expanded the family. Whoever believes in Him is adopted as children. Jesus is the first born of many.

Christmas is about giving that flows from a heart full of love. Sacrificial love, demonstrated when God so loved the world that He gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him can be part of His family.

He gave the greatest gift. For His children. That’s me. And you, if you’ve accepted His gift.

Whether your earthly family is intact, or whether, like Betty, your heart is torn because a loved one is missing, I pray that you know the love of the Father who gave His Son so you could be His child and live with Him forever–not just come over to celebrate a special day. May you feel the security, peace, and joy of His embrace throughout this holiday season.

As the saying goes, Jesus is the reason for the season, but God sent us Jesus so we could be His kids.