For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 AMPC
One of the symbols of Christmas has more than a history, he has a biography and his name was Saint Nicholas. He was born March 15, 270 and died December 6, 343. He was born into a wealthy Christian family in what is now modern day Turkey. He became a monk and eventually was named bishop of Myra. After his parents died in an epidemic he inherited their fortune and used it to help the poor, needy and children. The day of his death is now celebrated as St. Nicholas Day where there are feasts, gift giving and acts of kindness. On the night before children would leave their shoes or stockings by the fireplace to be filled with goodies and gifts. This tradition came from him helping a poor father who had three daughters, but was not able to give them dowries and without them, they would likely become prostitutes. When he heard about this every night for three nights he would throw and bag of gold coins through their window. All three of the daughters were then married. So came the tradition we now know as Christmas gift giving.
St. Nicholas was a very generous and kind man, who loved to give to people secretly in the dark of night to change their lives and give them hope. Although he leaves a timeless legacy, the St. Nick or Santa Claus we know today is a far cry from his true life. But he did create lasting traditions that are founded on the real meaning of Christmas, the giving of the greatest gift this world has ever known, His Son Jesus, who then gave us the amazing gift of Salvation that when received our lives are not only changed, but transformed. This gift has never changed, and is still available today for all who are searching for that perfect gift. This year let’s ask God to give us the opportunity to lead someone to receive His gift that keeps on giving.
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