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On St. Nicholas, a Lessor Saint of the Church

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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