Happy St. Nicholas Day!
December 6 is the feast day of Nicholas,
Bishop of Myra. At a time when the Church was just finding acceptance
in the world, Nicholas defined what it means to be a Christian and a
servant of others.
He lived at the turn of the 3rd and 4th
centuries. He was alive and serving during the years of Constantine's
conversion. Myra, where he served as Bishop, is now known by the name
"Demre," Which is in modern-day Turkey. He would have been witness to
the establishment of Constantinople as the center of Christian life.
Nicholas
is acclaimed as a Saint because of his generosity. The legends include
his slipping out of the manse at night in order to give money to those
in need. His attempts to be hidden by darkness was compromised when the
recipients would see his red Bishop's cape fade into the darkness of
night.
In a world in which Church seems to collect money,
Nicholas is a reminder that Christ came to give. He instructs all of us
on what it means to follow the way of Jesus.
The modern day
facsimiles of St. Nicholas still give gifts. But their gifts are seldom
anonymous, and rarely are they presented to those in need.
Occasionally, you will see one standing by a red kettle, ringing a
bell. But they attract far less attention than those who leave new
automobiles in driveways or diamond pennants hanging on the tree.
On
this St. Nicholas Day, remember the servant of Christ who (long before
there was a celebration of Christmas every December 25) understood and
acted on Jesus' instructions to those who have plenty. He is a favorite
of Children. And all God's children need to learn from him what it
means to share.
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