If our shopping centres are anything to go by it seems that Christmas has been with us since September, and it's fair to say the emphasis there has been on secular festivities. But don't despair. One High Street toy retailer in our diocese is proving that prayer and profit can be successful partners, as Sally Jarman reports.
When Gary Grant opened his first toyshop in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in May 1981 he candidly admits he was focused on retail success and not much else. Having put everything he and wife, Kath, had into the venture it was sink or swim and he was determined not to go under.
Unable to afford staff, together they chose and ordered stock, stacked shelves and served customers. And with Kath heavily pregnant with their first child as the Christmas rush took hold, Gary admits it was a tough time.
Today, The Entertainer is one of the region's favourite toyshop chains.
Drive and business acumen are undoubtedly key in his success, but along the way Gary has discovered a new motivation that has changed his life both at home and at work.
He recalls: 'In the Autumn of 1986, when she was pregnant with our third child, Kath began to pursue her faith. I must admit that I wasn't overly supportive. In fact I was antagonistic and uninterested, and for four years I only went to Church with her at Christmas and Easter, and only then under sufferance.
'Then, in 1991, Kath bought me a ticket for a Christian Men's Breakfast at St Leonard's Church, Chesham Bois. For whatever reason, and completely out of character (as work usually came first), I decided to go. And when I got there, late, I looked around the hall at about 60 men, and was surprised that I recognised lots of them and that they weren't weird, with two heads.'
His first preconception already shattered, Gary then found the talk dealt with 'real, live action, Christianity' unlike anything he had been taught at school, where he had dismissed it as history and irrelevant to his life.
'There was a presence and a peace about the speaker, Barry, and he told really simple stories about how the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, guided him through his life and through certain situations. As a non-believer I found it amazing to hear this man saying, with examples, that God could choose to intervene in situations and make the impossible possible.'
Gary says he couldn't get Barry's words out of his head and, looking back, can see God's guiding hand in his urge to find out more.
He says: 'It was awesome, God knows each one of us personally and he knew that I was a black and white person and was never going to read myself into the Kingdom. So he kept showing me in ways I would understand, until I could finally see that his way was Truth and I should be following him.'
And, the impact of Gary's new-found faith was felt by all those around him.
He says: 'It affected everything. Living the way God wants us to affected how I did business, and how I was at home, with Kath and with the children.
'I’d go as far as to say it saved my marriage, making me value my family more and challenging my work/family balance.'
Out of the window went long-hour, seven-day working weeks, as the family began to worship in church each Sunday and spend more time together. For several years he and Kath joined the Soul Survivor worship team and the 'awesome' event became part of the family calendar.
He says now: 'I wish all of my children could have had the upbringing my youngest son has had with Jesus in their lives from day one.' However, he is delighted that all three children have found their own faith as they have grown and the family remain close.
But what of business? Can a toyshop owner satisfy his customers and his God - especially in the modern-day pre-Christmas rush?
Gary says: 'Three months into being a Christian I was really struggling with combining the ideals of faith and business. Then I spoke to an accountant friend at church who told me that we all have areas of influence where we can bear witness. Mine is in the retail industry through my business.
His first act at work was to ban swearing - including his own which, he says, was quite a feat.
'Now I run the business in a way that upholds my Christian principles, and when I'm unsure I pray for guidance. God never leaves me wondering.'
His three main areas of concern are with products; honesty and transparency in company practices and accounting; and Sunday trading. And he’s not afraid to challenge perceived retail wisdom when it conflicts with his beliefs.
'Since the early 1990s we haven't sold Halloween goods. We used to, until a Christian lady challenged me one day, saying that we shouldn't encourage children to play with darkness, and that the Lord would bless our business in other ways if we stopped.
'She articulated her faith so well. She lived the life rather than just talking about it. I decided she was right - the Bible is quite specific about it - so we stopped.'
He also refuses to open on Sundays, to keep the Sabbath holy. Surely a retail disaster in the run up to Christmas?
Not so says Gary. His customers respect his position and last Christmas was one of the chain's busiest. Besides, shoppers love the full-size nativity scenes in the shop windows, providing a change from the snow and tinsel of other outlets.
His success is no mystery, Gary says: 'God said he will honour those who honour him, and I believe he does in so many ways.'
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