(Derived from the children’s book written by The Voice of the Martyrs with Cheryl Odden)
“Buried beneath the legends and tales of Santa Claus lies a story of a steadfast, Godly man who refused to deny Christ.” Nicholas of Myra or Saint Nicholas
Birth: Circa 3rd cent. A.D. in the province of Lycia (part of modern-day Turkey)
Died: Circa December 6th, A.D. 343 (celebrated by many as “Saint Nicholas Day”)
Early Life:
- His parents were very wealthy and left him their fortune when they died while he was yet a young boy.
- He was known for his generosity to the poor and needy.
- After visiting the Holy Land, he became the bishop of Myra.
Persecution: Diocletian, the Roman Emperor, severely persecuted Christians, including Nicholas, for their faith in Christ and for possessing God’s Word.
Courage:
- Under the rule of the Roman Emperor, Constantine, church leaders gathered for the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325.
- Nicholas struck Arius for blaspheming the Lord Jesus Christ.
- For the rest of his life, Nicholas of Myra, stood for Christ and continued his generosity to the poor and needy.
Santa Claus: Behind the legend of Santa Claus, is the life testimony of Nicholas of Myra, who embodied tender-hearted compassion to the poor and needy as well as courageous conviction to the deceived and irreverent.
May you be encouraged to do the same this Christmas and always!
“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 2:1b, 3; 3:12 NKJV
