I love the idea that Saint Nicholas brings to Christmas “The Joy of Giving in Secret”. God gave His Son in a secret stable in Bethlehem. Nicholas was a man of means and would give to the needy in secret during the time of year when the birth of Jesus was remembered. He never meant to replace Jesus but to continue the joy of giving in secret. He was a real man who was imprisoned and exiled for his faith under the Roman Emperor. He was legendized. The Dutch brought this tradition to the new world. Clement Moore captured this tradition in A Visit from Saint Nicholas now known as The Night before Christmas. It was a story for children.
The inspiration of Saint Nicholas came from God’s giving His Son in secret.
Nicholas of MyraTo the English hearing ear, Saint Nicholas became Santa Claus. As adults, we become Santa Claus to children. And when our hearts are right, we experience the same joy. It is a good lesson for giving in secret.
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
1 Corinthians 13:11
We can outgrow the tradition of Santa Claus without outgrowing giving in secret. But in my house, he is no secret.
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