Saint Nicholas: On December 6 many of my Dutch heritage celebrate "St. Nicholas Day," a tradition I enjoyed also as a child. St. Nicholas of course doesn't belong to the Dutch, or to anyone else (with the possible exception of Turkish citizens), but to the world. It's upon St. Nicholas's life that the legend of Santa Claus was developed.

Nicholas was born in 280 AD, in Patara, a city of Lycia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He served as a Christian priest and was appointed Bishop of Mrya in the early 300s. Nicholas inherited great wealth when his parents died, but kept none of it, choosing instead to sell his goods and give gifts to the poor. The process by which he did this earned him fame in the Catholic church and subsequently in legend.　

While it is difficult to validate each of the many stories flowing from his life, the consistency and abundance of these stories illustrate something the heart of this early church leader and have influenced many others through history.

In one such story, Nicholas came to the rescue of a poor family. A single father was destitute and had been sending his three daughters to beg on the streets to survive. Nicholas heard of their great need. He passed by their home at night and tossed a few small sacks of gold through the open window. Some accounts of the story say Nicholas, so they might have a dowry, hid the gold in the toe of socks the daughters had washed and hung by the fire to dry.

Nicholas became known as the gift giver in the region. Some themes and events of his life:

1. He wanted to give anonymously. He preferred not to be recognized for his gifts and generosity. His gifts, therefore, were often given late at night so that the giver's identity would remain secret.

2. He paid a particular interest in the needs of children. St Nicholas was eventually named the patron saint of children, sailors, Russia and Greece.

3. He participated at the Council of Nicea 323 AD, a great moment in the history of the church clarifying doctrine surrounding the humanity and deity of Christ.

4. He was persecuted and imprisoned for a time (in the early 300s) by the Roman emperor Diocletian.

5. Nearly 400 churches were dedicated to Saint Nicholas in Europe during the Middle Ages.

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But the point is this: behind the Santa story - told now in some version in almost every land on earth - is God's gift of Himself in the Gospel of Christ, the source and motivation of the giving of Nicholas of Turkey and the source and inspiration for the "holiday" (a contraction of "holy day") celebrated around the world, including myriads who know Him not. May it be our joy and privilege to tell the full story and introduce those who do not yet know him, to the Saviour, the giver of grace and restorer of all things!