The Feast of Saint Nicholas

December 6 - The Feast of Saint Nicholas
Psalm 16:11 -"You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is a fullness of joy, and in your right hand there are pleasures evermore."

In the midst of the Advent Season, waiting, anticipating, as we reconcile our transgressions with the promised hope of a new covenant fulfilled in Christ, a joyous celebration comes in the feast day of Saint Nicholas.

It is ironic that the feast day of Saint Nicholas, a figure so intrinsically woven into Christmas lore and legend, is completely overlooked by most Americans on December 6th.  Then again, isn't it human nature to overlook and forget.  We get caught up in hanging wreathes, decorating Christmas trees, making Christmas lists, mailing letters to 'Santa' and taking children to visit him at the local mall or Christmas festivity as we tell stories about Jolly Ole' St. Nick...somewhere in the process we lose depth of perception about the true nature of Saint Nicholas as an ambassador of the good news of Christ's birth in this Christmas season.

The Santa Claus of secular Christmas is more rooted in imagination from the creations of 'The Night Before Christmas' author Clement Moore and 1800s cardstock and cartoonists, who first imagined Saint Nicholas as a plump aged man with a jolly ruddy face, white beard, in a red suit, who lives at the North Pole and flies around the world with reindeer.  It is a magical tale, and one that still warms my heart and prompts me to 'believe in the magic of Christmas.'

The historical Saint Nicholas and the secular Santa Claus are very different characters, yet each rooted in the core holiday message of 'love thy neighbor, be compassionate and to give without expectation and celebrating joy and hope of redemption.' 

As I write this entry with the wind howling and -35 degree temps outside, it is hard not to imagine Saint Nicholas as living in the Lapland, on skis with a sled of presents.  The truth is that interpretation might fit the mood of the winter spirit, it is a far cry from the historical Saint Nicholas.  In fact Nicholas of Myra came from the tepid, coastal climate of the Mediterranean.  Now that is a climate I can embrace in these subzero temps!

Nicholas was born in the Third Century in the village of Patara, which is located in present day Turkey.  His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian.  Orphaned at a young age, when his parents died from an epidemic, Nicholas inherited a large fortune.  Instead of embracing a lavish lifestyle, Nicholas took Jesus words to heart, 'to sell what you own and give money to the poor.'  Nicholas used his entire inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering.  He followed Christ's example by giving himself in service.  He dedicated his life to God and became the Bishop of Myra.  Nicholas became known throughout the land for generosity to those in need, love of children and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith.  He was imprisoned and exiled.  Upon his release, Nicholas is said to have attended the Council of Nicaea in AD/CE 325.  He died December 6 in Myra (historically attributed death date of 343) and was buried in his cathedral church.

For more information on the historical Saint Nicholas (and Christian tradition)
You Tube video: http://youtu.be/dgBCXHmSmYY

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/who-is-st-nicholas/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=371

http://liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/december-6-nicholas-bishop-of-myra-c-342/

While it can be disgruntling, to release our preconceptions about Saint Nicholas, the reconciliation of the true story of Christmas's favorite Saint is truly magical. In using the word 'magical,' I don't refer to some supernatural haphazard hocus pocus, rather the magic of Christmas is the ability to rest in the wonder, joy, hope, faith, humility of life in Christ.  As nice as it is to receive our dream present, be it a keyboard, game or camera...St. Nicholas preached and actively lived his life in the example of Christ, showing compassion in giving.  He remained joyful in the promise and hope of Christ in spite of persecution, adversity and trial.  He found that suffering in the world is nothing compared to the GIFT of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection. 

So as we navigate the hubbub of the season, carve out a moment today to remember and reflect on the active ministry of Saint Nicholas and how we can follow the example of compassion and joy in proclaiming the Good News as we prepare for the birth of Christ.

Feast in the joy and redemption of Christ and remember the example of compassion, mercy and strength out of sorrow that St. Nicholas provides us as we embark on our own Christian journey.


Collect for the feast of Saint Nicholas:
I Almighty God, who in thy love didst give to thy servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray thee, that thy Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
II Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 145: 8-13
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  The Lord is good to all and his compassion is over all that he has made.  All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power  to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

~
On a side note, in Europe, Saint Nicholas Day is a major holiday in the Advent season.  My mom studied in France.  When I was young we'd celebrate St. Nicholas' Day by leaving our shoes out for St. Nick...in the morning there would be candy, socks and other small goodies.

For interesting stories about how Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated throughout the world click the following link:
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/around-the-world/

Saint Nicholas versus Santa Claus:
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/origin-of-santa/

 

 

Ways to Celebrate (Tips from Catholic Culture)

Today is a good day to teach your children the difference between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas. This story of the origin of Santa Claus will help you. Also learn all you can about St. Nicholas.

Choose some of the recommended activities — a puppet show, a party, a visit from "St. Nicholas." Make sure to include in all the activities the story of St. Nicholas, virtues to imitate, and his significance in the Advent season. Read how different countries Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas.

To enhance your feasting, purchase a copy of the CD by the Anonymous 4 Legends of St. Nicholas. This is medieval music, all in honor of St. Nicholas, done by four female vocalists.

There are numerous recipes to enhance this feast, anything from a soup to dessert, so have fun in the kitchen trying different ones.

St. Nicholas did his charitable works secretly. Suggest that your children do one hidden act of kindness in imitation of the saint.

From the Netherlands we have the most popular recipe, speculaas (or St. Nicholas Cookies; Speculaus; Speculatius; Kris Kringle Cookies; Dutch spice cookies). You can find tips for using special speculaas cookie molds by Gene Wilson. Try these sites for St. Nicholas Cookie cutters or molds: House on the Hill, HOBI Picture Cookie Molds, Rycraft, and St. Nicholas Center. You could also use Nativity Cookie Cutters, like these from Cookie Craft.