From our Synod's website and Treasury of Daily Prayer: Of the many saints commemorated by the Christian Church, Nicholas (d. A.D. 342) is one of the best known. Very little is known historically of him, although there was a church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century. Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the name of Nicholas in the city of Myra in Lycia (part of Turkey today) in the fourth century. From that coastal location, legends about Nicholas have traveled throughout time and space. He is associated with charitable giving in many countries around the world and is portrayed as the rescuer of sailors, the protector of children, and the friend of people in distress or need. In commemoration of “Sinte Klaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas, in English “Santa Claus”), December 6 is a day for giving and receiving gifts in many parts of Europe.The Treasury of Daily Prayer commemorates this day with this prayer that includes the following: Almighty God, You bestowed upon Your servant Nicholas of Myra the perpetual gift of charity. Grant Your Church the grace to deal in generosity and love with children and all who are poor and distressed and to plead the cause of those who have no helper, especially those tossed by tempests of doubt and grief...
To help us keep the day, my dear friend, Pr. Jim Krauser even sent us some of those famous Lebküchen from Nürnberg.
3 comments:
Yup. That's what I said. Pastor. :)
You know I think it's silly not to use the word bishop in the titles, Scott, but I'm going with what the book says.
I am usually in Germany for Nikolaustag, but this year I was a month early...but something interesting happened. The Kindergarten from St. Peter's paid a visit to the kindergarten of Our Lady of Good Council across the street and they all made bishops hats together with St. Nicholas written on the front.
Kind of cool. As Alistair wore his hat this evening I read from the TDP to him about Nicholas of Myra.
How cool is that, Jon! NIFTY!
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