Yes, children. St. Nick IS real!
On Friday, December 6, the Church honors this man who loved Jesus; and from whom the modern day legend of Santa Claus sprang.
Nicholas lived from 270-346 A.D. He was imprisoned and tortured for his faith under Diocletian. He also attended the historical Council of Nicea in 325--the first worldwide council of Christian bishops called to settle the controversy regarding the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Nicholas is reported to have argued aggressively against Arius, who claimed Jesus was not equal to God, the Father. Tradition claims that at one point, Nicholas arose and slapped the heretic--an act that landed him in jail for a season under Constantine.
Here’s the account of how Nicholas was chosen to be a bishop:
After the death of the area bishop, the local priests gathered for a time of prayer and fasting regarding God's selection of a new leader from among them. However, one of the older priests said that God had spoken to him in a vision and proclaimed, "The first person to enter the church tomorrow for Morning Prayer is your bishop."
Everyone revered the Elder and knew his words to be seasoned and accurate. The next morning, they gathered discreetly outside to watch. Nicholas was that person! What makes this story so amazing is that he was not even a priest; however, against all protocol, the men ordained the reluctant young man to the highest office in that area. This account reminds me of the Old Testament story of Joseph--a young man, faithful to God, who was suddenly promoted out of persecution and obscurity to the highest office in Egypt.
Before he was ordained, Nicholas was faithful in the little things. Rather than squander his inheritance after the deaths of his wealthy parents, Nicholas gave the bulk of it to the needy.
The famous story, from which sprang the legend of the gift-giving "Santa", recounts a distraught father who bemoaned how he was unable to provide a dowry for his three daughters.
People who lived in Europe and Asia during Nicholas’ time faced famines, ravaging diseases, and wars. Such deadly scourges put a premium on continuing family lines. As a result, young girls of lesser status often married into noble families.
A dowry was something of value brought into the marriage contract by the bride’s family. Although abused through the centuries, its intent was to ensure the wife against poverty if the marriage was dissolved for any reason. In those days, there was no such thing as alimony. Poor girls whose families could not produce token dowries were often sold into slavery.
During his evening walk, Nicholas heard the poor man's prayers from the open window of his small cottage. Family members in those days hung their washed stockings to dry overnight on the mantle of the fireplace. Nicholas quietly returned later that night. As embers from the dying fire softly illumined the room, he tossed three gold coins through the window into the stockings.
Over the years, various cultures have taken this story and made their own adaptations, resulting in distortions of the real Nicholas. From the more accurate "Father Christmas" to the commercialized "Santa Claus"--derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas--St. Nicholas has been transformed from the symbol of a benevolent Christian into a magical entity who is conditional in his giving. He is also portrayed as:
Omniscient (all knowing about the behavior of boys and girls)
Possessing supernatural powers over created elements (reindeer, gravity, time)
Having non-human servants (elves)
Being immortal…no real beginning or end
Honestly, the above list seems to be referring more to a deity rather than a very simple, very real servant of God.
I've never been one to spoil the imagination and play of children, but I also don't lie to them--particularly about spiritual things in the name of "fun". Emphasizing the true story of the man St. Nicholas and his good works, while downplaying the god-like morph of Santa, seems a healthier choice for Christians who desire to influence their children toward a life of compassionate giving.
Keeping St. Nick's Day enables Christian children to still enjoy the fun associated with the Santa "legend" in a diverse culture. They can fully participate in the play-making, while remaining aware of the richer, truer origin of the festivities.
Traditionally on this night--St. Nicholas Eve (December 5), families would prepare baskets of food, toys, and other items for the needy. They would wait until dark to place the gift on the doorsteps. The fastest child would then linger behind to knock on the door, running away before someone answered.
After returning home, the children would hang stockings along the fireplace mantle or place a pair of shoes by the hearth. The next morning, they would find them filled with fruits, chocolate, and candy.
The festivities continued on St. Nicholas Day (December 6). Families often held parties, where the children competed for prizes by tossing coin-wrapped chocolates into stockings and decorating handmade Father Christmas ornaments. In many homes, the children would then receive their “Father Christmas” gift—usually one item they had asked for all year.
Our parish in Spartanburg, SC included a yearly visit from "St. Nicholas" on the Sunday prior to his feast day. He would gather the children around and tell them why he loved to bless others, and how excited he was to celebrate the greatest gift of all--Jesus! (John 3:16 IS the Christmas story.)
All the kids knew it was Mr. Ron behind the bishop's garb and woolly beard, but it never dulled their anticipation to hear once again the bells and a hearty "Ho!" from St. Nick, who always brought a good story and treat-filled stockings.
If you’re thinking this tradition can’t compete with Santa’s glut of gifts on December 25, just remember that in earlier times, gifts were given DAILY among families and friends during the Twelve Days of Christmas that followed Christmas Day. (Soon, I'll post more about how it's celebrated.)
What's important is that children were taught, through the festivities on St. Nicholas Eve, first to give rather than receive...to remember the needy ahead of their own wants. But oh, how they bountifully received throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas!
The St. Nicholas Center is a wonderful site full of recipes, coloring pages, crafts, pictures, and stories of how this feast is observed around the world. It also contains an informative timeline as to how the image of Saint Nicholas evolved into the jolly old elf we see today in America.
On Friday, December 6, the Church honors this man who loved Jesus; and from whom the modern day legend of Santa Claus sprang.
Nicholas lived from 270-346 A.D. He was imprisoned and tortured for his faith under Diocletian. He also attended the historical Council of Nicea in 325--the first worldwide council of Christian bishops called to settle the controversy regarding the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Nicholas is reported to have argued aggressively against Arius, who claimed Jesus was not equal to God, the Father. Tradition claims that at one point, Nicholas arose and slapped the heretic--an act that landed him in jail for a season under Constantine.
Here’s the account of how Nicholas was chosen to be a bishop:
After the death of the area bishop, the local priests gathered for a time of prayer and fasting regarding God's selection of a new leader from among them. However, one of the older priests said that God had spoken to him in a vision and proclaimed, "The first person to enter the church tomorrow for Morning Prayer is your bishop."
Everyone revered the Elder and knew his words to be seasoned and accurate. The next morning, they gathered discreetly outside to watch. Nicholas was that person! What makes this story so amazing is that he was not even a priest; however, against all protocol, the men ordained the reluctant young man to the highest office in that area. This account reminds me of the Old Testament story of Joseph--a young man, faithful to God, who was suddenly promoted out of persecution and obscurity to the highest office in Egypt.
Before he was ordained, Nicholas was faithful in the little things. Rather than squander his inheritance after the deaths of his wealthy parents, Nicholas gave the bulk of it to the needy.
The famous story, from which sprang the legend of the gift-giving "Santa", recounts a distraught father who bemoaned how he was unable to provide a dowry for his three daughters.
People who lived in Europe and Asia during Nicholas’ time faced famines, ravaging diseases, and wars. Such deadly scourges put a premium on continuing family lines. As a result, young girls of lesser status often married into noble families.
A dowry was something of value brought into the marriage contract by the bride’s family. Although abused through the centuries, its intent was to ensure the wife against poverty if the marriage was dissolved for any reason. In those days, there was no such thing as alimony. Poor girls whose families could not produce token dowries were often sold into slavery.
During his evening walk, Nicholas heard the poor man's prayers from the open window of his small cottage. Family members in those days hung their washed stockings to dry overnight on the mantle of the fireplace. Nicholas quietly returned later that night. As embers from the dying fire softly illumined the room, he tossed three gold coins through the window into the stockings.
Over the years, various cultures have taken this story and made their own adaptations, resulting in distortions of the real Nicholas. From the more accurate "Father Christmas" to the commercialized "Santa Claus"--derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas--St. Nicholas has been transformed from the symbol of a benevolent Christian into a magical entity who is conditional in his giving. He is also portrayed as:
Omniscient (all knowing about the behavior of boys and girls)
Possessing supernatural powers over created elements (reindeer, gravity, time)
Having non-human servants (elves)
Being immortal…no real beginning or end
Honestly, the above list seems to be referring more to a deity rather than a very simple, very real servant of God.
I've never been one to spoil the imagination and play of children, but I also don't lie to them--particularly about spiritual things in the name of "fun". Emphasizing the true story of the man St. Nicholas and his good works, while downplaying the god-like morph of Santa, seems a healthier choice for Christians who desire to influence their children toward a life of compassionate giving.
Keeping St. Nick's Day enables Christian children to still enjoy the fun associated with the Santa "legend" in a diverse culture. They can fully participate in the play-making, while remaining aware of the richer, truer origin of the festivities.
Traditionally on this night--St. Nicholas Eve (December 5), families would prepare baskets of food, toys, and other items for the needy. They would wait until dark to place the gift on the doorsteps. The fastest child would then linger behind to knock on the door, running away before someone answered.
After returning home, the children would hang stockings along the fireplace mantle or place a pair of shoes by the hearth. The next morning, they would find them filled with fruits, chocolate, and candy.
The festivities continued on St. Nicholas Day (December 6). Families often held parties, where the children competed for prizes by tossing coin-wrapped chocolates into stockings and decorating handmade Father Christmas ornaments. In many homes, the children would then receive their “Father Christmas” gift—usually one item they had asked for all year.
Our parish in Spartanburg, SC included a yearly visit from "St. Nicholas" on the Sunday prior to his feast day. He would gather the children around and tell them why he loved to bless others, and how excited he was to celebrate the greatest gift of all--Jesus! (John 3:16 IS the Christmas story.)
All the kids knew it was Mr. Ron behind the bishop's garb and woolly beard, but it never dulled their anticipation to hear once again the bells and a hearty "Ho!" from St. Nick, who always brought a good story and treat-filled stockings.
If you’re thinking this tradition can’t compete with Santa’s glut of gifts on December 25, just remember that in earlier times, gifts were given DAILY among families and friends during the Twelve Days of Christmas that followed Christmas Day. (Soon, I'll post more about how it's celebrated.)
What's important is that children were taught, through the festivities on St. Nicholas Eve, first to give rather than receive...to remember the needy ahead of their own wants. But oh, how they bountifully received throughout the Twelve
The St. Nicholas Center is a wonderful site full of recipes, coloring pages, crafts, pictures, and stories of how this feast is observed around the world. It also contains an informative timeline as to how the image of Saint Nicholas evolved into the jolly old elf we see today in America.
Repeat many of the stories about St. Nick to your children or grandchildren, emphasizing his courage under persecution, his bold defense of the faith before emperors and detractors, and his deep compassion for the hurting and needy while coveting no personal recognition or reward.
You may also want to start collecting "Father Christmas" ornaments and dolls. I started this delightful tradition years ago. Displaying one on your desk at work during the holiday season makes for a great conversation piece, and paves the way for you to light-heartedly explain the real history of St. Nick and contrast it with his modern counterpart.
My tradition centers on where I place my Father Christmases--on the mantle, tabletops, and around the tree. You can find these collectibles in all sizes from the simple to the regal. However, an authentic Father Christmas will always be adorned in a long cloak with a hood. Some will bear a bishop’s mitre or some adaptation around the head (such as a wreath), and they will often carry a staff (crosier).
George and I decorate much later than mainstream America. We follow the earlier Christian tradition of lighting the tree on December 24 and celebrating throughout the Twelve Days. Accordingly, I'll update this post later in the month with a picture of my Father Christmas collection.
Here's a prayer for this wonderful day from a church in Holland:
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: grant us to perfectly know thy Son Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life, and that, following in the footsteps of friends like Nicholas who loved the poor, the weak and the young, and who gave what he had to enrich those who had but little, we may faithfully walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
So how are you celebrating the real St. Nick this year?
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