Do your kids or grand kids know who the REAL Santa Claus is?
To a very large extent the religious meaning behind the symbols of Christmas –and Christmas itself– has been edged out by secular ones. You’re far more likely to get a secular “peace” or cartoon holiday card than a religiously themed one (a Nativity scene, for example). A snow-man or Santa Claus are far more recognizable as symbols of the Holiday (Christmas) than the divine-man Christ Child.
Everyone around the world knows Santa Claus, in “Christian” nations as well as non-Christian ones. Few, however, know that the REAL Santa Claus, the historical figure upon which Santa is based, is Saint Nicholas (d. 343), a bishop from what is now the nation of Turkey. As the years go on even fewer Christians know Saint Nicholas. “I thought Santa Claus IS St. Nick,” some would say. Yes, Santa Claus has his origin in the historical Saint Nicholas but Santa has underground a significant transformation.
Here’s how J. Rosenthal and C. Myer contrast the two:
Santa Claus belongs to childhood. St. Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales the commercial Christmas message. St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all the hope-filled Christmas message.
Santa Claus encourages consumption. St. Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time.
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.Santa Claus flies through the air from the North Pole. St. Nicholas walked the earth caring for those in need.
Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem. St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus isn’t bad; St. Nicholas is just better.
Do you have children or grandchildren? Set the record straight for them and take them to a Breakfast with Saint Nicholas Saturday, December 15, 9 a.m., Social Hall of Saint Anne Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester. See the flyer, below. Some coloring sheets that can be cut and turned into a table center pieces will be available for the kids. Crayons and scissors will be available. Information for adults about Saint Nicholas will be available as well as Saint Nicholas Holy Cards for the kids as well as a few other simple gifts. NOTE: there is a request for families to bring to the breakfast some foodstuffs and used children’s books for St. Anthony’s Food Cupboard at Our Lady of Victory/Saint Joseph Church in Rochester. See the flyer, below.
Click on picture to see a larger, clearer image.
BTW, today is the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas!
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