We put so much thought into Christmas presents, and they are such a source of stress. Will the recipient be happy? Should I include a gift receipt? Did I spend enough? Did I spend too much? Will our gifts even be remembered in years to come?

Some of our gifts may get packed away  or even regifted. But still we give, because giving is at the heart of Christmas. Each year we  celebrate the most extravagant gift in the history of the world.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.—John 3:16

God gave Himself fully knowing we were too helpless and vile to help ourselves. He forfeited the glories of heaven and was born in the humblest of circumstances: in an animal trough on the floor of a stable.

And He even gives us the faith we need to believe in the Savior who came to earth as a helpless babe.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

The Giver delights in giving us good gifts. All we need to do is ask.

You do not have, because you do not ask God.—James 4:2

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! – Luke 11:13

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created. – James 1:17

This Christmas I pray you delight in the one gift that will define your life here on earth and in eternity. No shopping or gift receipts required—though regifting is highly recommended.