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A Saint for Advent: St. Nicolas
December 6. “St. Nick” or Santa Claus is often associated with the Christmas season. Lost in the storytelling, movies, and Coke commercials that feature that that “jolly elf” with his sleigh and reindeers, is the true story was a Saint Nicholas. He really is a wonderful Christian saint to emulate during the Advent season. His place as a saint in Advent season is not related to the festive nature of gift giving so commonly associated with “St. Nick”. Instead, it has to do with St. Nicholas’ belief that Jesus is Lord and the actions he took in his life to follow the commands of Jesus.
According to the Center for St. Nicholas, he was born during the third century in the village of Patara, an area that was once part of Greece, but is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents raised him in the Christian faith. He had a deep love for Christ and dedicated his life to serving God; particularly by using the blessing of his inheritance to minister to the sick, needy and suffering. He was well known for his love for children and his concern for the welfare of sailors and ships.
Nicholas was ordained Bishop of Myra while still a young man. During this time the Roman Emperor Diocletian, persecuted Christians, including Bishop Nicholas for his faith. He, like the Apostle Paul, experienced exile and imprisonment. After his release, Nicholas attended and was a leader in the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. This first ecumenical council called together Church leaders to come up with a unified statement that affirmed the divinity of Jesus, which is often referred to as the Nicene Creed.
There are many stories about how Nicholas, without fanfare and often secretly provided financial gifts, prayer, and other support which saved the recipients from ruin. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and is remembered on this day.
Quiet acts of kindness during the Advent season help us stay maintain focus on Christ. Like St. Nicholas, find simple ways that you can brighten the day of someone in need. Your act of kindness helps communicate to others the love that God has for us. What little act of kindness can you perform today to brighten someone’s day?
+ The Anglican Anchoress