THE Christian Book Shop is helping locals put ‘Christ’ back into Christmas with their extended opening hours and wide range of gifts and cards for the festive season.

Run by volunteers from the Hamilton Lutheran Parish, the Christian Book Shop at the Hamilton Lutheran Church Hall runs every Thursday and Friday from 10am-3.30pm, until Friday, December 17.

Pastor, David Wear said the shop has something for everyone, regardless of their religion.

“We have Christmas cards, nativity sets, Christian books, bibles, children’s story books, cards for different occasions, and lots of stuff for kids,” he said.

“There are all kinds of things, it wouldn’t matter if you are Baptist, Pentecostal or another religion, there’s something for everyone.

“It’s wonderful to have people come in and be able to have their needs met and leave with a smile on their face, they feel good about coming here.”

The book shop started 25 years ago as a permanent shop in Gray Street and moved to the Lutheran Church Hall within the last decade, where it continues to be run by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer, Jan Welch said the shop provides a feeling of community, with locals stopping by for a chat whilst they browse the products.

“Sometimes that’s all people want to do, is come in, sit down and have a talk,” she said.

“The support from the community has been amazing, it’s been really positive.”

Pastor Wear said many locals are looking for hope this Christmas, turning to faith and God instead of material gifts.

“People come and find something with some substance and meaning that I think gives them that hope and reminds them there’s more to life than just Santa Claus.

“All of this is mainly about pointing people to Jesus who is our hope and our peace.

“I think regardless of how tough you’ve had it, you can celebrate Christmas if it’s about new life, eternal life, and Christ.”

Ms Welch agreed that people are seeking hope and faith this festive season, saying they’ve sold more bibles this year than in previous years.

“Because of COVID-19 people’s priorities have changed and they’re looking more to a family Christmas, and perhaps more of a Christian Christmas,” she said.

“It was all about material objects, but now I think people are realising that’s unimportant and are buying bibles and books that are positive and optimistic.”