Let us Pray the collect for the Feast of St. Nicholas Grant, Almighty God, that your church may be so inspired by the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, that it may never cease to work for the welfare 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, now and forever. Amen.
The Gospel for the Feast of St. Nicholas. The Gospel of Mark 10:13–16 People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. St. Nicholas of Myra (lived around 300 AD) was a bishop known for his good deeds, especially those that helped children and the needy. He was the patron saint of Children, travelers, sailors, fishermen, merchants, and toymakers. He often gave generously and without anyone knowing the gifts were from him. He would put coins and candy in shoes left at the door. He also helped pay the dowry of fathers who were unable to pay for a dowry. Nicholas was officially recognized as a Saint in the 800s, and in the 1200s, Catholics in France began celebrating Bishop Nicholas Day on December 6. After the Reformation, devotion to Nicholas disappeared in all the Protestant countries of Europe except Holland, where his legend persisted as Sinterklaas (a Dutch variant of the name St. Nicholas). Dutch colonists took this tradition with them to New Amsterdam (now New York City) in the American colonies in the 17th century. Sinterklaas was adopted by the country’s English-speaking majority under the name Santa Claus, and his legend of a kindly old man was united with old Nordic folktales of a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good children with presents. The resulting image of Santa Claus in the United States crystallized in the 19th century, and he has ever since remained the patron of the gift-giving festival of Christmas. You may find it interesting that some of our Santa Claus traditions indeed came from St. Nicholas Day.
Reflections by Bob 