Christmas is a season of giving. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s incredible gift to us. And we often celebrate by giving to others. Gift cards are among the top-selling Christmas presents in the U.S.

Funny thing about gift cards—an awful lot of them never get used. According to one survey, 43% of adults in the US have at least one unused gift card. Half of the consumers with an unused card lose it before they use it, and 20% of gift cards expire without being spent. Some estimates indicate Americans collectively hold about 21 billion dollars in unused gift cards. That’s billion, with a B.

In other words, a lot of gifts are given at Christmas that are never really received. And giving is good. But receiving is important, too.

More than 2000 years ago, an angel made a dramatic announcement about a gift.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (ESV)

The news was terrifying and thrilling to shepherds on a hillside who ran to Bethlehem to receive the gift God had given. They found the baby just as the angel had described—in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Filled with joy, those shepherds ran and told everyone they saw about the miraculous gift of Jesus.

Today, the real wonder of Christmas can get lost in the hectic swirl of shopping and other activities that accompany the season. But God is still inviting us to receive His perfect gift. We can welcome Jesus into our lives every day, really every moment, and allow Him to provide us with what we really need—the lasting peace and sustaining joy that only He can provide.

What would Christmas look like if we focused more on receiving what Jesus offers so we can be a gift to others? If we cultivate the peace and joy that Jesus wants us to experience, and if we share that freely, we can light up the world with kindness, hope, and love.

Use these verses to discover some of the actions you can take each day and continue to receive the ultimate Christmas gift, and all that Jesus offers us, every day of the year:

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding; Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Prov 3: 5-6 (NLT)

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe;” Hebrews 12:28 (Amp)

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15: 10-11 (NLT)