It’s the demise of our culture, especially today, how we’ve taken great characters in history and twisted their purpose toward fulfilling our worldly fantasies. One of these characters is St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), the saintly legend whose story has been obscured by modern society.
There are two events in his life that sum up Santa Claus. One occurred when Santa Claus heard that a neighbor of his in Myra (located in modern day Turkey) was so poor that he couldn’t afford to pay for a dowry, or marriage expense, for his three daughters. The father was considering selling his daughters into slavery to make up for this expense. Santa Claus, upon hearing this situation, took a sack full of money and threw it through the window or chimney of the house. Talk about breakthrough charity!
The second incident occurred at the Council of Nicaea, in 325, when jolly old St. Nick punched the heretic Bishop Arius in the face for denying the divinity of Jesus. Talk about love of God!
These events in Claus’ life are a few of the many legendary stories associated with him. However, these two stories emphasize the point of Christmas: Love God to the point where you will fight for him, and love your neighbor enough that you will save him.
God bless and Merry Christmas!
Michael McKay
Indiana Township