The story behind Santa Claus..ie Father Christmas Saint Nicholas the Wonder-Worker Born 15 March 270 Patara, Lycia et Pamphylia, Asia Minor Died 6 December 343 (aged 73) Myra, Lycia Honored in Anglicanism, Baptist, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Methodism, Presbyterianism, Reformed Also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (Demre, part of modern-day Turkey) in Lycia. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. He went about, often at night, giving gifts to poor and needy children. He later became the patron saint of children in the Roman Catholic Church; and thus became the model for Santa Claus, whose modern name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas, itself from a series of elisions and corruptions of the transliteration of Saint Nikolaos. From here the story grew and became legend in country after country with various details were deleted and added as the legend of St. Nick grew. So, how should believers handle it? St Nicholas was real and possibly gave the best example of Christian stewardship through giving of gifts to those in need. However, the modern day Santa / Father Christmas may be taken as a fairy tale idea like Alice in Wonderland, or Jack and the Bean Stalk. Children normally understand that Alice in Wonderland is only make believe--a fairy tale. However, for many children Santa is real. In many ways it is probably harmless. But because of the confusion between Santa and Christ and the true meaning of the celebration of Christmas, parents need to be careful in their use of Santa Claus the fairytale. Rather teach your children about the Love of God through the gifting of Christ our Redeemer and teach them to serve Him by giving to the less fortunate as was done by Saint Nicholas. Keep walking in the light peeps. Stay blessed.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 04:55:24 +0000
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