Friday, December 8, 2006

December 8

                            

St. Nicholas

St Nicholas was born in the third century in Lycia (which is now Turkey).  He was born into a wealthy family and was raised to be a very devout Christian.  His parents died when he was very young.  He sold his whole inheritence to assist the poor.  He dedicated his whole life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.  He became known for helping those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

He was thrown into prison under the Roman Emperor Diocletian for being a Christian.  After his release he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.  He died Dec. 6, 343 AD and was buried in his church, where a relic, a unique oil, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to him.

Through the centuries, many stories have been told of his life and deeds.  I'll just mention one.

It is the story about how stockings got started.  There was a poor man with three daughters.  Each in turn wanted to get married, but didn't have the money.  If they didn't come up with the money, slavery would be awaiting them.  In that day and age, the father had to come up with the dowry money for his daughters to be married, but he simply didn't have it.  Nicholas, upon finding out that he didn't have the money, threw dowry money through the family's window.  It is said that the money landed in their socks hanging by the fireplace.  So that is how stockings got started.

If you'd like to hear more about what St. Nicholas did, and some miracles done by him (of course through the power of Jesus Christ), please click on the article below.

Who is St. Nicholas? 

 

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St. Nicholas and the Origin of Santa Claus

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gameSanta Switch 

Gospel reading:  Luke 1:26-38

                              

8 comments:

  1. I went into the games and played the switch one and then checked out the backgrounds. Put one on my computer. I change them often during Christmas. Helen

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  2. I'm enjoying the website...I also have enjoyed the links.  Which is why I don't ALWAYS comment, b/c I take off to listen to music, make snowflakes, etc. LOL.
    Thanks for doing this, it is fun and informative.

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  3. (((((((((((((((((((((((KRISSY/JOHN))))))))))))))))))))))I love reading your storys.Thet are wonderful.HAve a nice day.

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  4. Thank you for sharing..  I named my youngest son after this particular saint.  :)  Julie

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  5. Greatidea!! Hope you keep us all on our "holiday" toes, and out of the viscious, materialistic THING this season has become. rich

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  6. REad this when you first posted it.  But didn't leave a comment.  Thought I'd take the time to tell you I appreciated it while I'm doing my CarnivAOL cruise.  -  Barbara

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  7. This is very interesting.  I always tell my kids that Santa Claus (St Nic) was and is very real.  All you have to do is believe.  De ;)

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  8. dear Krissy
    very nice! I love Saint Nicholas and the children in Europe have aprofound respect for this figure!They actually want to help their family and their neighbors to be in his good graces!(oh and get his gifts..little gifts!)
    love and husg,natalie

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