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ST. NICHOLAS, THE GIFT GIVER
Kathie Walters
Dec 22, 2000
FROM STEVE SHULTZ, THE ELIJAH LIST -----on SAINT NICHOLAS AND THE SAINTS Below is some history of the "real" St. Nicholas who we now refer to as, "Santa Claus." (Or how he came known to be St. Nick) There are other pieces of history also written about St. Nicholas --but this one is certainly a portion of the whole story. The church, throughout history has often given "double honor" to the "saints" who have most benefited others. This is how St. Nicholas came to be among the honored-even though the true meaning has long ago been lost to most. By the way, the SAINTS, in the New Testament are these:
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Phil 1:1-2 "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the SAINTS in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
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Even the tombs of Old Testament Patriarchs and saints were preserved and some are even preserved to this day in Israel--to honor the saints. We are, of course, NOT to worship saints, but it seems that it is in the heart of God to honor those who have gone before. From this practice, was born the honoring of the generous giving-of-gifts by the very real St. Nicholas. I do not personally believe that the Lord is offended when many celebrate Christmas and include Santa Claus on their Christmas cards, etc. What is offensive is when we forget JESUS CHRIST and his LIFE and DEATH for the REAL SAINTS--You and me, who are IN CHRIST!! With this in mind, read this history of St. Nicholas sent in by Kathie Walters, a frequent prophetic writer for THE ELIJAH LIST! Many Christmas Blessings, Steve Shultz
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ST. NICHOLAS, THE GIFT GIVER ( about AD 280 - 349 AD) Nicholas was born in Patara, Lycia. As a child he loved God and every Wednesday and Friday fasted (as was common in the church at that time.) And mentioned also by Clement of Alexandria. (See Apostolic Constitutions) He served in the monastery of Holy Sion, near Myra and he eventually was ordained as Abbot. He was considered very pious and charitable, and many great miracles were attributed to him. Nicholas became Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor and was imprisoned for his faith by the Emperor Diocletian during the persecutions. He was present at the famous Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where the Arian doctrine was condemned officially by the church. A rich merchant in Myra went Bankrupt during Nicolas tenure as Bishop. The merchant had three daughters and no dowries for them (a real disgrace). Incredibly, he decided that they might as well become prostitutes, at least they would earn a living. When Nicholas heard of this he devised a way to save the girls. He surreptitiously tossed a bag of gold through the window one night. The next day the father, amazed, used the money as a dowry for the eldest daughter. A second time Nicholas also tossed gold at night, secretly, and the second daughter then had her dowry. The third time the father caught him and thanked him as he was trying to give the third bag. Nicholas, because of this and many other "anonymous" acts of charity, became known as the "gift giver." Nicholas was also known for his great charity to the outcasts and rescue of children, prisoners, and famine victims. He was an enthusiastic heresy hunter and once bopped someone on the nose over during a disagreement! He died in Myra 349, and was buried in the church there. The Emperor Justinian built a church in his honor in Constantinople in 430 AD. In 1087 AD, when the Saracens conquered Myra, Nicholas relics ( bones) were stolen by merchants from Bari (a seaport in Naples, Italy) and taken to the west. It was reported that when they opened the casket a wonderful aroma filled the whole area around. They arrived with their prize on 9th May. Two Italian cities, Venice and Bari vied for the honor of being selected to be the place where the bones remained. (There was very strong belief all over the world that there was great blessings in the places where relics of saints of God were buried.) There were many miracles that occurred during the pilgrimages. These are reported about by John, Archdeacon of Bari. The same account is also written by Nicephorus, also of Bari and confirmed by an eye-witness who was commissioned by a magistrate of the city. It is quoted in manuscripts by Baronius, and published by Falconius. ( see the book, "Acts of St Nicholas") Nicholas became a Patron saint of children because from a small child he loved and served God with all his heart. He loved to give and so he gave--- and gave. He could not bear to see people in need - when he did he would devise ways to help them. He lived a holy and uncompromisingly righteous life. Little else is known about him, except that in England alone there were 400 churches that were dedicated to him in the middle ages. Kathie Walters
Good News Ministries
Kathie's books and tapes: http://www.goodnews.netministries.org/kathie.htm
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