Advent II - Monday

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas Day (December 6). Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century Christian bishop is considered the real-life model for Santa Claus. Three very different quotes follow.

"The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves."
Saint Nicholas of Myra, Fourth Century CE

"Once again St. Nicholas Day
Has even come to our hideaway;
It won't be quite as fun, I fear,
As the happy day we had last year.
Then we were hopeful, no reason to doubt
That optimism would win the bout,
And by the time this year came round,
We'd all be free, and safe and sound.
Still, let's not forget it's St. Nicholas Day,
Though we've nothing left to give away.
We'll have to find something else to do:
So everyone please look in their shoe!?"
Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

"St. Nicholas.
O good holy Nicholas,
you who brought joy to children,
put in my heart the spirit of childhood
about which the Gospel speaks.
Teach me how to sow
happiness around me. Amen."

Anonymous

Questions to ponder:

What is your first recollection of Santa Claus? When did those memories begin to wane?

At your age, how easy is it to become like a child? What hinders you from such feelings or joy?

Where can you “sow happiness” this day like Saint Nicholas?

Devotional Reading - Luke 9