St Nicholas

  6^th December

 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,

and he will repay him for his deed.”

Proverbs 19 v 17 

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendour of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made.

Psalm 145: 8 – 13

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth,

anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10: 13 - 16

.....................................................

Bishop of Myra

and Patron Saint of Children 

   

St Nicholas was born sometime around the turn of the third century AD.

Little is known of his life, but it is thought that he was the son of wealthy parents

who died when he was young; a devout Christian, St Nicholas used his inheritance

to help those in need: the poor, the sick, and the suffering.

Whilst he was still a young man, St Nicholas was made bishop of Myra -

an ancient town in Lycia, in what is now the southern coast of Turkey.

He became known for his generosity to those in need, and his love for children.

Under the Emperor Diocletian St Nicholas was persecuted

for being a Christian, and endured torture and imprisonment. After his release,

he attended the First Ecumenical Council (promoting unity among churches),

called the Council of Nicaea, in AD 325.

When the Dutch settlers went to New York in the 17^th century, they took their St Nicholas feast day celebrations with them; there, his name gradually changed from the Dutch

Sinterklaas to the English Santa Claus. He continues to be better known by this name,

and also as Father Christmas, in the English speaking world today.

Activity: 

Put out a shoe or slipper on St Nicholas' eve, and see if he brings you any gifts! 

(Or organise a gift-filled slipper for someone else...)