“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV).

I can’t imagine losing one of my children. A friend recently lost her adult child and to see her grieve ripped my heart out of my chest.

Christmas should be a time of joy. After all, God sent His son that He might save us, and for the most part the season is joyful. Still, when I turn my Christmas tree on at night, and listen to the sweet sound of the nativity music box play Silent Night, I find my heart ripping in two.

The birth of Christ changed the world and eternity as we know it. God gave of Himself, the ultimate Lamb – a living, breathing child. So many lives were impacted by this birth. Joseph’s life was turned upside down. His bride- to-be carrying what the world called “illegitimate,” but what the angel called a miracle. And Mary, a child herself, chosen to bear the Son of Man.

Though His birth was nothing short of miraculous, His death tore a hole in the world. Mary sat at the feet of her dying son as the blood puddled around her knees and God Himself, looked away, heartbroken. All this…to show His love. To save us.

Christmas is a joyful time for family and friends, but for me, it’s also heart wrenching. I am grateful for the “gift that keeps on giving.” Just knowing the magnitude of the sacrifice humbles me every time I think of it. A child was born to carry the weight of the world. And though we know the end of the story, it didn’t change the loss of a child.

As Christmas nears, reflect on the child who gave His all that we might have life to the full.

Cindy Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, as well as executive editor for www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.