Santa Claus, before the white beard, pot belly, black belt and red pants, was a real human being who did not live in the North Pole.
He was not originally a toy maker, and he did not have elves as servants or flying reindeer.
St Nicholas was a wealthy person who believed in helping the poor and the needy. He lived from
around 280 to 330 AD.
His famous act was sliding down a chimney and placing gold in the socks of the three daughters of a poor man to save them from prostitution or slavery.
He became a priest and then a bishop and was later arrested and persecuted for being a Christian.
There are so many values to learn from Saint Nicholas that have been drowned in the fanfare of
celebration:
– His selflessness and willingness to help and assist the needy.
– His bravery to stand up for his faith in the midst of persecution
– His silent acts of kindness.
He became a legend long after his death and was called the patron saint of sailors. Then his image
morphed into a magical, plump cartoon character that lived in the North Pole, and slid down
chimneys one night a year.
But Saint Nick was good all year, kind all year, and did many good deeds, which eventually cost him
his life. His story and values are not only important to little children, but to adults as well.
It is true that the day he will be remembered is the day he died, December 6th, which also coincides with Christmas, but we should focus the spotlight on the real star of the show.
Yes, the real star of the show is Jesus, the one whose birth is ceremoniously celebrated on the 25th of December.
It would make more sense to have a manger, some sheep, and a baby as the face of Christmas,
emphasising hope, peace and joy to the world, but how can the shops and businesses gain from
simplicity and selflessness?
No matter how much we celebrate martyrs and philanthropists, we secretly and sometimes publicly
praise a life of greed, materialism and moral carelessness; especially in December.
Christmas ought to be magical, not because of lights, gifts, food or trees, but because of kindness,
rest, reflections and growth.
A king was born in a manger- a feeding tray for the common farm animals. It gives us hope that our
background cannot hinder our true potential for greatness.
Angels sang, and the star of Jesus shone bright; who is singing and rejoicing because of the saviour?
Christmas ought to be a season of joy, thanksgiving and praise.
I dare you, join me to shift the culture: let’s make this season a time of family connections, selfless
giving, worship and gratitude.
Fun and feasting are allowed, but simplicity should not be looked down on as poverty, but a stepping stone from which kings and stars are born.
What good will you do this Christmas? Let’s put a selfless smile on someone’s face this year.
With all my heart, Merry Christmas!
