For many of us, the release from the Christmas chaos comes as a great relief after days of planning, shopping, and hosting.

But there may be one last chore before we can put it all behind us. And that may be the most important. It’s time to re-gift.

It is a common after-Christmas activity – returning and re-gifting. It is so common that it has become a staple of holiday humor. We return to the original merchant those items that have no value to us or those duplicate gifts. Or, we give those unwanted gifts to someone else. We re-gift.

But, the most valuable gift any of us receive cannot be returned. It can, however, be re-gifted. In fact, in the spirit of the holiday season, it should be re-gifted.

It is the spirit of Christmas.

We all know the true meaning of Christmas seems to get lost in the hubbub of shopping, partying, and family gatherings. But, somehow, traces of the original reason to celebrate linger. For most of us, the Christmas season brings joy, generosity, and love.

And that is the gift we can pass on to others. That is the gift that we can share and still keep for ourselves. That is the gift that can serve us well in the days ahead. That is the gift that we should embrace and celebrate. That is the gift that we should recharge daily, much like the way we recharge our electronic devices.

God’s greatest gift to humanity cannot be returned. It is a treasure beyond comprehension. It is a gift that begs to be shared.

It is the gift of hope.

It is the promise of hope.