Today, many Christians around the world celebrate the life and ministry of Saint Nicholas. His story and legacy is rich and has had an important impact on our culture here in the West.
Yes, Saint Nicholas is the inspiration for Santa Claus, but his story begins much sooner than the creation of this character. In Dutch, Saint Nicholas is Sinterklaas, so that is how we get our American version "Santa Claus." (Side note: my mom's family is 100% Dutch so this makes me very proud).
So, who was Saint Nicholas, you ask? Let me tell you! He was born around the year 280 in Patara near present-day Turkey. Both of his parents were Christians (that's saying something: Christians were not as plenty as they are now, and they were being severely persecuted) died when he was a young man, and he used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. He was raised by his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, who mentored him as a reader and later ordained him as a presbyter (think pastor or priest).
Soon after his ordination, an opportunity arose for Nicholas. A citizen of Patara had suddenly lost all of his money, and needed to support his 3 daughters who could not find husbands because of their poverty. The situation was so dire, that the wretched man was going to give them over to prostitution. Nicholas became informed of this, so took bag of gold and threw it into an open window of the man's house in the night. Here was a dowry for the eldest girl and she was soon married. At intervals Nicholas did the same thing for the second and the third daughter. The last time he did this, the father caught him! He recognized Nicholas and was overwhelmed with gratitude.
As it became time for the choice of a new bishop, Nicholas was chosen. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers.He was released by Constantine later on (around the year 304). He resumed his ministry of care for the poor and the falsely accused (he made sure that the Christians imprisoned with him were also released). He is notably admired for his love and compassion for children as well (this is where we get our gift-giving tradition on Christmas). He died December 6, 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.
His legacy, merged with the English character "Father Christmas," helps us conceive of who we know to be "Santa Claus," a man who comes quietly in the night (like Nick did to help the poor man with 3 daughters), and give gifts to children. We can learn from and be inspired by his life story of compassion, mercy, generosity, faith, and love for the oppressed even today.
So today, as Christmas is fast approaching, I invite you to pause and reflect on Saint Nicholas' life, ministry, and story. During this season of Advent, of preparation for Christ, Saint Nick stands out as a person who followed Christ during his life and made a real difference.
To this day, Old Saint Nick is still remembered and celebrated around the world! His stories of goodness and generosity have been kept alive. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts.
Let's keep his story alive, too, by our mercy, compassion, generosity, faith, and care for the oppressed.
Prayer:
God of joy and cheer,
we thank you for your servant,
the good bishop Nicholas.
In loving the poor,
he showed us your kindness;
in caring for your children,
he revealed your love.
Make us thoughtful
without need of reward
so that we, too, may be followers of Jesus. Amen.
In Christ,
Jack
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