Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants,
archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, prostitutes, and
students in various cities and countries around Europe. For each of these groups there is a legend and
a reason that the patron saint has been chosen. There is little known about Nicholas’ life and
writings; he was a Nicea in 325 where he – reportedly – struck someone who did
not believe in the same way that he did.
The legends portray him as profoundly generous, and through
principally the Dutch church in the New World (read New Amsterdam), his legends
inspired Santa Claus. The memory of St. Nicholas
did not stand the Biblical test of Protestantism and therefore there was
limited appreciation for Santa Claus, as understood in the United States in
Europe. Thirty years ago, as a young
soldier stationed in Europe, I did not understand that Santa Claus, as I
understood him, was North American creation.
For me, Christmas in Europe was a lonely time, separated from the family
I so loved, and the traditions that I understood.
Today when I reflect on that time walking the streets of
very foreign cities, and I realize that I was missing the point of the
incarnate love of God that was so genuine and strong, that God gave his only son
to become one of us. And thus, I missed
an incredible opportunity to be introduced to the God who came and dwelled
among us, and following the example of St. Nicholas, we can work hard for those
pushed the margins of our society such as some “merchants, archers, repentant
thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, prostitutes, and students,” who have
identified St. Nicholas as their patron saint.
Peace and blessings to you,
Jon
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