SAINT NICHOLIS=A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 10^th 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 & 12-6-15 and 12-5-19