Here are some fascinating excerpts from a friend’s research: William Federer’s “There Really is a Santa Clause” known also as “Saint Nick”.
“…Nicholas displayed remarkable instances of a special call on his life. As he grew, he was known for his virtue, especially in the study of scripture, abstinence and temperance… The bishop of the town of Patara was Nicholas’ uncle, whom Nicholas was named after. He noticed how Nicholas avoided worldly pursuits and therefore advised his parents that their son may be called to the service of God.”
“As time went on his uncle, the Bishop, desired to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He handed oversight of the church to his nephew Nicholas… He took the responsibility of the church seriously and cared for the congregation the same way the Bishop had…
“It was at this time that Nicholas’ parents died during a plague, leaving him a substantial inheritance. He was very generous in distributing it to the poor and needy, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and ransoming those taken captive by debt to moneylenders.
“Nicholas is most notably remembered for helping the family of a nobleman of Patara who had gone bankrupt. Ruthless creditors not only took the nobleman’s property, but threatened to take his three beautiful daughters as well. The father’s only hope was to marry off his daughters quickly before the creditors could take them, thereby saving them from a life of white slavery and prostitution. Unfortunately, he did not have money for the girls’ dowries, which were necessary for them to marry.
“Nicholas heard of this dilemma and late one night threw a bag of gold in the family’s window to save the eldest daughter from the fate of an outcast. The news spread across town and she was soon lawfully married. Shortly thereafter, Nicholas did the same, rescuing the second daughter.”
Nicholas also rescued the third daughter the same way and wanted all the glory to go to God without anyone knowing he had helped. This is where we get our tradition of secret gift giving.
Isn’t it wonderful to see the emphasis of the Christmas season returned to mature, serious Christians looking for the needy that God wants to save, heal and deliver through His people, while we give Him all the glory!
I pray that God blesses you and your family this year! You may purchase Bill Federer’s wonderful history of “Saint Nic” here.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
© 2023 Mrs. Brenda MacMenamin, All Rights Reserved. Permission given to share pages and posts in entirety.
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