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Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store: how to be imaginative as you celebrate God's gift to us
By 
Lisa Skinner
A cherished film in our household during the festive season is The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The standout moment occurs towards the end when the Grinch, having stolen all the Whos’ gifts, realises that Christmas came just the same because Christmas transcends material possessions. He declares, ‘‘Maybe Christmas…doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!’’
For many of us, including Christians, the commercialisation and excessive consumption surrounding this time of year can distract us from its true essence of the Christmas story. This isn’t to say that the act of gift-giving is inherently negative. The Magi, for instance, offered significant gifts to the infant Jesus symbolising kingship, deity, and the promised Messiah. Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop, and the inspiration behind Santa Claus, also exemplified generous giving motivated by his love for God.
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