I have to share with you the sadness I have been feeling this Christmas. In every store I go to there are Christmas trees with childrens' names on them. Children who will not have a merry Christmas without us. I want to take every name and get them something wonderful, but, alas, I am not wealthy and do not have the resources to provide each child with what they need. I walk by those trees and pray that someone will choose that child this Christmas and be their Santa.
Yesterday I had the joy of delivering gifts to the family we adopted for Christmas. The mother wept and thanked me so genuinely, it touched my heart. She told me that now they would have a Merry Christmas. That was better than any gift I will ever receive.
St. Nicholas lives in each of us, right in the center of our heart. He is as real as you and me. Don't forget what he was truly all about. Let's remember who Santa Claus really was:
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. (isn't that exactly what Christ would want us to do to celebrate His Birthday?) He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Let's put that CHRIST back in Christmas! My love to you all! Nancy
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