Saint Nicholas is often brought to mind as the beloved figure of “Santa Claus” due to his fervent dedication and love of charity and assisting those less fortunate. Nicholas was born in Patara, a seaside town in Licia, what is now modern day Turkey, in the third century. He came from a good family that raised him as a Christian, though the emperor at the time had outlawed Christianity and was persecuting any person who chose to follow this faith. His life, from his earliest days, was marked by obedience. When he was orphaned at a young age, Nicholas, remembering the rich young man in the Gospel, used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the poor. He was elected Bishop of Myra, and under the emperor Diocletian was exiled and imprisoned. After being freed, he attended the Council of Nicea in 325. He died in Myra on 6 December 343. Many stories have been handed down about Nicholas, all testifying to a life spent in service to the weak, the small, and the defenseless. The most famous story of Nicholas perhaps is the origin of the legendary Santa Claus. It is said that in the towns Nicholas secretly served by night, he would throw money through the windows of houses in which the impoverished lived. Tradition holds that the money would land in their shoes while they were drying by fireplaces, thus resulting in the popular practice of people placing their shoes out to be filled with gifts on the feast day of Saint Nicholas, December 6th.
Questions for Reflection:
- Saint Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy. How can you effectively give to support those less fortunate in your community?
- As Bishop of Myra, Saint Nicholas played a leadership role in his community. How can you use your own leadership abilities to help those around you?