The Legend

Santa Claus

The Theologian: Legend tells us Saint Nicholas was born in Patara, Turkey about 280 AD. Being a scholar and preacher, he was appointed Bishop of Myra, Greece. During a season of Roman persecution, Bishop Nicholas was imprisoned, but released when Constantine became emperor. Upon resuming his duties as Bishop, he discovered that a new threat was facing the church: Arianism, a spiritual poison that denied the devine nature of Christ. An early historian, writing 500 years after his death, gave credit to Nicholas for saving Myra from the Arian heresy.

The Grace of Giving: He is remembered most for his giving. When his parents died, Nicholas inherited great wealth, but he kept none of it for himself. He used his wealth to help those who were sick and poor around the country.

Santa Comes to America: The Dutch brought their traditions of Sinter Klass to America where he would ring his bell and give out cakes and nuts to children. In England, Father Christmas comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve leaving treats and toys in stockings. In America, it seems that many of the traditions of the Christmas season are blended together, giving us Santa Claus.

Christmas Gift Giving: Since the early 1800s, Christmas shopping has been part of the American Christmas season. We should not forget that Christmas gift-giving speaks of two things: as God so gave, we should give to one another, and as the wise men gave to the One born on that night, so we should give ourselves to Christ.

Offer Your Gift: On that first Christmas, God gave His Son as Savior. But to make Christmas all that it can be, consider giving yourself to Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord