Nicholas

Nicholas was born in a small village, called Patara, in what is now known as Turkey. However, not much is known about his early life. He is known to have been very devoted to his faith, and born to a fairly well-off family.

It is said that he was involved in some way with fishermen and sailors, although in what capacity, it is not known. He seems to have eventually left his former life, eventually giving away his wealth, and becoming a priest, at a time when Christians were heavily persecuted. To give one's life in this way, at a time when Christianity was not exactly favored was heroic indeed!

After Christianity began to be tolerated in the East, it is said that Nicholas was raised to the honor of Bishop in the town of Myra. It is then that we hear of most of his deeds...

There is one tale that when Nicholas was on a voyage from Myra, he saved a sailor single-handedly from being lost in a terrible storm.

Another tells of a butcher who, hoping to make money during a famine, murdered several small children, hoping to sell them as meat. But Nicholas realized what had happened, and not only discovered the crime, but managed to resurrect the children.

One of the more famous stories deals directly with charity. There was a poor peasant that was unable to provide a dowry for his three daughters, so it seemed that they would never be able to marry. But Nicholas, knowing the man's situation and not wanting the daughters to be forced into prostitution, decided to take action. Over three nights, he threw a bag of gold into the man's window, one for each daughter. This way, he had the dowry, and his daughters could get married. Some say that the man eventually confronted Nicholas, and he replied to the man that he should not thank him, but God alone.

He was always faithful to God, at one time even being imprisoned for his beliefs.

Nicholas became well known for his generosity throughout his life. There were many more instances of anonymous giving attributed to him throughout the region. Even after he passed, people who were inspired by his spirit of generosity, continued to give to those in need anonymously, often giving Nicholas the credit.

Throughout the centuries, his story grew, and people continued to look to his example. They saw in him the true spirit of Christian charity and love. Eventually, he became so popular, people began looking to him to pray on their behalf to God, in other words, he was now known as Saint Nicholas. He would become the Patron Saint (amongst many causes) against imprisonment, for sailors, for the poor, and most notably, the Patron Saint for children.

His feast day on the traditional calendar is today, December 6th.

Saint Nicholas' story and legend would eventually grow and change to what we now know as Santa Claus here in the United States. While the story has changed a good deal, his original spirit of generosity still lives on in the person of that jolly old elf that we look for on Christmas Eve, spreading joy to children of the world everywhere.

Saint Nicholas truly embodied the spirit of Christmas.

I hope and pray that we can all remember his example during this Christmas season, during a time in our history where so many people are focused inward, perhaps the good Saint Nicholas can be an example to look outward in love and charity...

Blessings to you and your families,
DJ