Yes Virginia, there is a Saint Nicholas

Well, there is indeed a Saint Nicholas and his feast day is December 6th. This saintly man lived in Lycia which is now part of the country of Turkey. Nicholas was raised by very pious and holy parents in the beginning of the 4th century and they instilled in him the virtues of a truly Christian life. So much so that when he was still a young man both of his parents had died and Nicholas found himself orphaned. Because his family was wealthy, Nicholas inherited quite a fortune. And Nicholas decided to use all of that fortune to help the poor, the needy and anyone whose fortunes would take a turn for the worse. In one instance a poor man was about to be forced to give his daughters in sexual bondage to pay his debts and escape harsh punishment by government officials. When this story reached Nicholas, he paid the debts and saved the young girls from such a wretched fate. Stories of his generosity and his piety spread throughout the land.

During the time of the religious persecutions of Diocletian, Nicholas found himself elected Bishop of Myra. The people loved him and he continued in his generosity and religious fervor. That is until he was thrown in jail, spending many years there until released when the Emperor Constantine came to power. He continued to shepherd his flock and preach Christ while teaching in word and example to be generous. He died in Myra and his legend continued to spread long after his death.

A tradition of giving gifts to children on the date of Nicholas' death begin to spread and took great root in Europe. From the Nordic and German peoples came the name Sint Claus to describe Nicholas which we know is translated Santa Claus. Of course generations have run with this and twisted it terribly but Ole St. Nick is truly none other than Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.

St. Nicholas is honored in both the Western and Eastern Churches and throughout the world. His true Christian witness and unending generosity is what has given great rise to many of our Christmas traditions, especially gift giving. I wonder what he would think about how we do it these days?

So Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause; none other than Saint Nicholas of Antioch.

Good Saint Nicholas; pray for us!