This morning we visited a convalescent home along with family members and friends. It was a precious time to serve together and remember those who are often forgotten during the holidays. Our dear friends, Irish and Judy Kane, serve the Orange County elderly community throughout the year through their organization, Amazing Grace Ministries. "Uncle Irish" always dresses as Saint Nicholas and shares the true Christmas story with all who will listen. I was so blessed as our boys mingled and gave gifts, hugs and smiles to the men and women in the home. Jordan even played a Christmas carol on the piano... his first time playing the piano in public!
I always love to remind our boys of the true histories of the saints. Saint Nicholas was a tremendous hero of the faith and his life should be an example to us all. I hope you are encouraged by this article during this Christmas season...
“Tell Them the Truth About St. Nick”
Article written by Paul Thigpen
Come December, there’s simply no way to avoid him. With “cheeks like roses” and a “nose like a cherry,” his smiling face meets us everywhere we turn. Jolly old St. Nicholas. What should we tell our kids about St. Nick? Why not tell them the truth? I don’t mean a somber lecture about how reindeer can’t really fly. I mean the inspiring story of the historical St. Nicholas – a real person whose life pointed beautifully to the Lord he served.
We don’t know a great deal about Nicholas for certain, but what we do know should make us glad his memory has been preserved. Born in Asia Minor more than 16 centuries ago, he gave his life to full-time ministry, serving as the overseer of a church in the town of Myra. There this saint engaged in signs-and-wonders evangelism, bringing many to faith in Jesus.
The people revered Nicholas for his personal holiness, kindness and generosity. But his zeal for Christ got him in trouble with pagan authorities and he was tortured and imprisoned by the cruel Roman emperor Diocletian.
Nicholas survived the ordeal and lived to take part in an important council of church leaders, where he spoke out bravely against the false teachings infiltrating the church of his day. Afterward, he remained busy with the Lord’s work until his death many years later.
Some ancient biographies of Nicholas say much more, telling vivid tales of how he shared his wealth with the poor and took special care of children. We don’t know how reliable these stories are, but this much is certain: St. Nicholas shone so brightly with the love of Jesus that the church has never been able to forget him.
Over the years, Christians found various ways to honor him, including dressing up like him and giving gifts to children. As his inspiring example spread across many cultures, his costume and his name took many forms. The Dutch called him “Santa Claus” and introduced him to America. Then, in the 19th century, Clement Moore wrote “The Night Before Christmas,” a popular poem that gave American children the picture that’s common today: a red-suited Santa with flying reindeer.
Whatever those recent frivolous additions to the Nicholas story – and however they may be manipulated by Madison Avenue – they shouldn’t prevent us from telling our children the truth about a great servant of God. If we share with them the story of the real St. Nicholas, we won’t be turning their attention away from Jesus. Instead, we’ll be showing them how the Child of the manger can shine even now through a heart that’s devoted to Him.
