THE REAL SANTA CLAUS!

SAINT NICHOLAS-A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS The historical facts And the legends of Saint Nicholas Are-in fact-intertwined What we know for sure Is that He was Bishop of Myra And may or may not Have been instrumental In the council of Nicea in 325 He became widely known In the East-and that was increased By an account of a fictitious biographer And his legend Began to spread to the West In the 10th century Many have claimed him As their patron Saint Including children-sailors-unmarried girls- Merchants-pawnbrokers-and perfumiers It is believed He saved three girls from prostitution By throwing 3 bags of money Through their windows To provide dowries So they could get married It is believed That this is the basis Of three gold bars As the pawnbrokers sign It is believed He raised three boys After they were murdered by a butcher And that he saved three men Unjustly condemned to death As well as Three sailors lost at sea Off the coast of Turkey Many churches Are named after him And he is believed to be The most painted Saint Other than the Blessed Mother The most popular result Of his cult Is the belief that Saint Nicholas Is responsible for the origins of Santa Claus This is based on Nicholas’ love of children And his giving them gifts Nicholas remains A very popular name As well as its many variations including: Colin-Nicola-Nicolette-and many others So this December 6h On his feast day Let us all remember That giving is NOT just for Christmas But ALL YEAR round And Nicholas is not just a Christmas Saint BUT A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS Robert P. Wallman 12-6-6 ps While Saint Nicholas-may have the BEGINNING of Santa Claus- We ALL KNOW that God's LOVE and Christ's love is the GIFT That KEEPS on GIVING and is the gift that NEVER ENDS 12-7-14