The 1940s and 50s made popular the Santa Claus we know and love today. The jolly red suit, the laugh, the belly that jiggles like a bowl full of jelly, but who is the man behind the myth? Will the real St. Nicholas please stand up?
St. Nicholas: The Man Behind the Myth
St. Nicholas is more than a character in a Coke ad. He was a real man. A man of deep faith, who in his time did much to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is said that Nicholas was born into wealth and privilege during the third century in Asia Minor. A region we now know as southern Turkey. His parents were devoted Christians and taught their son the love of Christ and the importance of his word.
The archaeological site of Myra, modern-day Demre, Antalya, Turkey. This important ancient Lycian city has a long and interesting history during which it was visited by St. Paul and was the bishopric of St. Nicholas. Read more about it here 👇https://t.co/NpWaFgiPQN pic.twitter.com/Gf1uBerxMI
— Angela O'Brien (@GrecianGirly) December 16, 2021
Nicholas lost his parents at an early age but never lost the love of God that they taught him. He would go on to become known as St Nicholas of Myra or St Nicholas of Bari due to his generous spirit and willingness to serve his people.
One of the most famous stories of the man was that which involved three daughters of a poor peasant. The father of these daughters could not afford the bride price to arrange his children proper marriages. Marriages that would afford them security and love. Due to their lowly status, the most likely outcome for the young girls would have been prostitution.
One of the most famous stories of St. Nicholas says he threw bags of gold through an open window in the house of a poor man to serve as dowry for the man’s daughters, who otherwise would have been forced into prostitution. #EWTN #Catholic #StNicholas https://t.co/TEe0RTCcOx pic.twitter.com/zPqFmAXNfw
— EWTN (@EWTN) December 6, 2019
Nicholas heard of the children’s plight and in the dead of night slipped three bags of gold into the stockings of the girls as they hung by the chimney to dry. the next morning the family was delighted to find the surprise that would allow the girls a more prosperous and dignified future.
Santa is a man of God
The real Santa Clause was not just a jolly old man with an encouraging message but a fighter for the gospel of Christ. He was a Bishop in his hometown and even participated in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Saint Nicholas, a historical precursor figure for Santa Claus, is said to have attended the First Council of Nicea, where he allegedly slapped Arius for arguing that Jesus was not equal to God the Father. https://t.co/LtKZGrGLF2
— Lifeway Research (@LifewayResearch) December 23, 2021
The Council of Nicea was where, under the rule of Constantine, the bible was first formed. The Cannon was carefully put together by the best scholars, teachers, and church leaders of the time. They carefully put together the real teachings of the apostles and separated the truth of Christ from the heresies that some taught at the time.
Nicholas supposedly went head to head with Arios a man who had created his sect of the Christian religion that claimed that Jesus was not God. According to a historical account, Nicholas slapped the teacher and was rebuked by Constantine himself.
Merry Council of Nicea pic.twitter.com/94eVb37sF8
— Randyakerson (@randyakerson) December 21, 2021
Whatever your thoughts on teaching your children about Santa, do not forget the brave man who actually lived. A Hero who stood up for the faith and was a generous servant to God this Christmas Season.
