Ol' St. Nick: Servant of God?

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. 

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?

Why I Quit Celebrating Christmas (The Modern Way)

Busy beforehand; let down afterward. That’s how I felt when celebrating Christmas on the fast track of American culture. I was concerned that a politically correct, generic holiday was obscuring the real meaning of the season with each passing year.

Imagine my delight when I finally found the answer in the way Christmas was honored in Christian homes and churches in the past. Now, I still enjoy all the glitter and glow, but through more Christ-centered traditions. Although some church communions still follow these customs, most Christians in the United States are not familiar with the term “Christmastide”.

The Christmastide season is observed in the following ways:

Advent: Begins the fourth Sunday prior to December 25

The Feast of St. Nicholas: December 6

The Feast of the Nativity: (sunset December 24 to sunset December 25)

The Twelve Days of Christmas (sunset December 25 to sunset January 6)

The Feast of Epiphany: January 6

 Advent means coming or arrival. Its season begins on the fourth Sunday prior to the Nativity. It is a time of preparation and expectation.

A new candle is lit each week around a special wreath that focuses on a message shared in homes and churches.

Different communions have their own devotionals, but the following is one that my family has used for years that focuses on God’s coming to earth four times:

Week 1: We look back on the promise and fulfillment of the Messiah's first coming to earth as humanity's Sacrifice and Servant to reconcile us to God.

The Good News: God keeps His promises in the fullness of time!

Week 2: We focus on the promise of Christ's second coming as Judge and King to remove every trace of the tragic consequences of evil and set up His everlasting Kingdom.

The Good News: Flawless justice will right every wrong in the end, and we will live forever with God!

Week 3: We give thanks for knowing Jesus as personal Savior in life and death—a relationship that makes us unafraid before a God who comes quietly for His own every day.

The Good News: We fear neither the trials of life nor the sting of death, for we have been placed securely in Christ--sealed unto unconditional acceptance--now and forever!

Note: The Advent Wreath traditionally contains three blue-violet candles, signifying Christ in both roles as King and Savior. We cannot separate the manger from the Cross; Christ’s arrival in the earth makes no sense unless it is seen as the beginning of His redemptive mission.

The third candle, however, is pink for rejoicing. This reminds us that even in the middle of our introspection and repentance, we can still rejoice. We belong to a merciful God who is always available to help us.  I like the way The Message Bible translates Hebrews 4:14-16:

 Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Week 4: We invite Christ to come anew into our hearts and homes. We don’t want to miss the miracle of the Incarnation—Christ in us—that revives and graces us to go into a new year and carry the message of reconciliation to the world.

The Good News: I can renew my relationship with Jesus!

Nativity Eve: The four candles representing hope, peace, joy, and love have been lit. Now, the white candle in the center is lit—the Christ Candle—for the One who was, who is, who is to come.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8)

Gifts are meticulously wrapped and holiday menus set, but the question remains...this year, how well have I prepared for the Advent (coming) of Christ?

Christ first came to earth as a babe in a manger long ago. He became one of us so He could carry humanity’s sins in His own body and bear the punishment unto death. This sacrifice ended mankind’s estrangement from God, thereby making eternal reconciliation available to whosoever wanted it.

That was his role as a suffering servant. When Jesus comes to earth again, it will be as humanity’s rightful Judge and King. Have I prepared for that day? How does knowing this truth help me steward my life and witness before others?

Although Christ will return visibly to earth one day, individuals pass into their chosen eternity every day. Am I prepared for the end of my personal time? Are there any unsaid words, deeds, or reconciliations that need to be addressed?

At the end of human history, God will weigh all motives and actions on a perfect scale of justice. No one will escape his or her recompense. No one! Thus, can I trust Him to eventually and surely right all wrongs, even though I may not witness justice during my lifetime?

Even for the Christian, there will be an accounting of one’s earthly life. What endures through the test of honesty will be our final gift to Jesus. How well do I cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He works to conform me into the image of Christ?

What is the condition of my heart where Christ dwells now by the Holy Spirit? Is it cluttered with useless and broken things that block the light?  Is God crowded in there...somewhere?

A good time to toss out junk is before another Christmas comes and goes, and you find yourself unchanged. That's the purpose of Advent. You light a candle and take a few moments each day to pray during the busiest season of the year.

The candle signifies willing introspection...a welcoming of the Lord into the neglected nooks and crannies. It’s an invitation for Him to sweep them clean; then, fill with His light.

I know many of you have already decorated your tree or are in the throes of getting it up so you can enjoy its beauty before Christmas. No doubt, you will probably take it down the day after Christmas or before the New Year arrives. (As a child, I heard that leaving a tree up after New Year's Day was bad luck!)

In earlier times, Christians did not bring the tree indoors until Nativity Eve, the 24th. Homes were already decorated with greenery, but the family waited to decorate and light the tree on that night to symbolize "lighting the way" for the Christ Child's family.

Although I bring in a tree and decorate it throughout Advent, I wait until the 24th to light it. For me, it symbolizes that we always have room for Jesus in a crowded world where too many turn Him away.

The controversy among some Christian denominations regarding a holiday tree seems to center on one portion of Scripture taken out of context: Jeremiah 10:1-5

"Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

Thus saith the LORD, 'Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go.

Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good'."

The entire chapter clearly addresses idolatry and the making of wooden idols to worship.

If Christians want to take the above Scripture at face value by not bringing any decorated "trees" inside, then what are we to do about ornamental trees at weddings with bows and ribbons? What about funeral wreaths?

It all goes back to the motive in one's heart. For instance, although many seek guidance from the stars, sailors use the stars to navigate as a gift from God--not paying homage to the creature, but the Creator.

We have written evidence from early church history that the evergreen tree was used to teach new converts about the Trinity before 500 A.D. Therefore, whether it's at weddings, funerals or Christmas, we take what God has created and use it the way He intended--for His glory and praise.

The beginning of the Feast of the Nativity (or as it has come to be known as Christmas Eve) is a time of great anticipation as the tree is lit. Then, family and friends gather for a meal before heading out to services. The tree traditionally remains up until the end of the Feast of Epiphany. (Jan. 6)

You see, years ago the Church did not recognize the Christmas season as officially beginning until the Feast of the Nativity drew to a close on the evening of December 25th. Christmas then lasted twelve days (from sunset to sunset); hence, the Twelve Days OF (not after) Christmas.

While Advent was a serious time of personal preparation and the Feast of the Nativity was a holy day of worship, the Twelve Days of Christmas were full of laughter, presents, feasting and fun.

We are overfed, over-indulged, and too tired to do anything the evening of December 25th; but in the earlier days, dusk signaled that the festivities were just beginning. God had received His "first fruits" of worship. Now, TWELVE days remained for the faithful to celebrate the joyous reality of "God with Us" with family and friends.

In the days ahead, I’ll tell you more about the real St. Nick and post fun ways to celebrate his legacy of giving. Additionally, you'll discover the meanings of the three Nativity masses, learn how to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, find out what the early church did on December 31st, and read about the colorful Feast of the Epiphany--wonderful, old traditions that can easily become your family's Christmastide!