Last Saturday my husband and I joined our sons and their families to pick out Christmas trees. Later, we all gathered for family time. My heart felt that awful sense of full to overflowing while at the same time empty because our daughter and family were missing. They serve in Haiti and spend most of their holidays there.

The next day my grandson said, “Mema, come look what is under our tree.” There, nestled under the branches was a nativity scene. “Get down on your knees, Mema, and you can see a tiny baby inside,” he said. “That’s Jesus.”

There we were, on our knees before the infant baby — the true meaning of Christmas.

As I stood back up, I realized that the manger in Bethlehem is why our daughter is not with us. As we bake cookies, read stories, and decorate trees here in the U.S., she will not be there. As our grandchildren open their gifts, one grandchild will be missing.

These realities that often bring tears to my eyes also bring joy because I am reminded why they are not there. I delight in the joy of being with our sons and their families. But I also delight in how God is using my daughter’s family to bring the message of Christmas to the people of Haiti. God has called them to a special purpose and they have responded in obedience.