Since the early 1800s, Christmas shopping has been part of the American Christmas season. We should not forget that Christmas gift-giving speaks of two things: as God so gave, we should give to one another, and as the wise men gave to the One born on that night, so we should give ourselves to Christ.
On that first Christmas, God gave His Son as Savior. Here's part of the story from the Gospel of Luke: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12 NIV
Of course, there's more to the story than Jesus being born and found wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. He's the same One who lived a sinless life, engaged in ministry for three years marked by love, power and miracles, died as the Lamb of God on the cross for all our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, and is soon returning to receive us into heaven. That is God's gift that transforms us.
But to make Christmas all that it can be, consider giving yourself to Jesus Christ and inviting Him to be your Savior and Lord. If you want to receive the gift of God, there is a gift exchange. Offer yourself as a gift to God, by saying this prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for giving Jesus
to be born on Christmas day;
to die for my sins on Good Friday;
and to rise from the dead on Easter.
I give myself to You.
I ask for Your forgiveness.
Be my Savior.
Write my name in the book of life.
Transform me.
In Jesus name. AMEN