Today the Church remembers St. Nicholas...a very popular saint in Europe and in the Eastern Church. He is kept in his role as Bishop and protector of youth, whereas in this country, he has morphed into Santa Claus, a cheery old man who lives at the North Pole and delivers toys to GOOD children on Christmas Eve. Much lore has arisen about Santa, including a wife, and elves...even the names of the reindeer who pull his sleigh across the sky. Stories abound as well about St. Nicholas which emphasize his true role as a compassionate bishop and shepherd of his people during the persecution of Diocletian. One moving story is told of a young boy, Basilius, who was kidnapped and forced to be a cup bearer for the Emperor. His parents mourned his disappearance and kept prayerful vigil on its anniversary. One year, while they were praying, the long-dead St. Nicholas snatched Basilius from the palace and brought him home to his praying parents while he was still holding the emperor's cup! What joy to be reunited so miraculously with their son.
As we prepare for Christmas, we might keep in mind that little "miraculous" acts of kindness that we can do for others, especially the needy, during Advent will help us appreciate the great act of kindness that God has given us in sending us the gift of his Son as our Redeemer.
Bro. Rene
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