THE CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE

The Christmas Gift Exchange 

Sandra Fischer

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

The popular cultural tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is, in many cases, merely an exchange. 

We give gifts to others because they give gifts to us. 

The practice is a trade transaction rather than actual “gift-giving.” 

By definition, a true gift is “something willingly given to someone without payment; a present.” 

When we give something to someone who cannot give us anything in return or who is not expected to do so—it’s a gift.

On that first Christmas centuries ago, God gave us a gift and provided an exchange. 

God sent Jesus, His son, to be born in human form to redeem us. 

His death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice was the unmerited gift. 

And it was an exchange—His shed blood is payment for all our sins, freeing us from condemnation. 

His resurrection—conquering death—is a gift to all who believe and receive Him, ensuring eternal life instead of eternal death. 

God did it all in one amazing grace transaction. 

He gave the gift and made the exchange. 

We did nothing to earn or deserve the gift nor could we give anything back in exchange. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NASB) 

And, if that wasn’t enough, He gives us His Spirit as an ongoing gift! 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor 9:15 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, we offer our humble gratitude for your gift to us—Christ, our Savior and Lord, and providing Him as an exchange for our sin.

Sandra is a Faithwriters Platinum member, author of the new, updated edition of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact