to one and all! Today our Synod commemorates the most famous bishop of all time. Here's what the Treasury and our Synod Website offer upon the day: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 prayer for the day is:
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 with all who are poor and distressed and to plead the cause of those who have no helper, especially those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief. We ask this for the sake of Him who gave His life for us, Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Treasury, p. 989)
2 comments:
Nicholas has my favorite legend of all time. The story is that at the Council of Nicaea, whilest Arius was speaking his blasphemy before the council, Nicholas walked up and cold-cocked him, knocking him off of speaking platform.
How bad of a heretic was Arius? So bad that he got decked by Santa.
"Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the name of Nicholas..."
Why is it, when it comes to the saints, there has to be research done? Why is it not accepted simply because the Church has decreed it to be so? It's that same kind of mentality that we see displayed on covers of Newsweek, Time and every other "mainstream" periodical around Easter about "research" about Christ. Just as Christ is not legend so Nicholas is not a legend...He was a stalwart defender of the faith, something we are all called to be. So why does the LCMS Treasury and Synodal website have to give in to this mentality concerning one of the great saints of the Church?
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