Year A - Second Sunday of Advent - December 4, 2022
A Message from St. Nicholas
Most cultural traditions around Christmas in the U.S. are rooted in religious practices of Christianity. One example is the jolly visitor on Christmas Eve: Santa Claus. Sometimes we conflate celebrations on December 6 about St. Nicholas of Myra with our friendly, red-suited Santa who lives at the North Pole. They are separate figures.
St. Nicholas was a bishop in the 300’s A.D. who served in the region now called Turkey. His humble leadership, holiness of life, and heroic acts of mercy established his renown during his lifetime. After his death, he was revered as a saint – protector of children and sailors, patron to prisoners, the innocent, maidens, thieves, and even judges. From an early age he lived out the Gospel and defended the faith. There are legends of his presence at the Council of Nicaea and his courage in the face of Roman persecution. In the Eastern Church he is known as a miracle-worker and gift-giver. In the West, we prize his love for children and sailors most highly. There is a St. Nicholas Church on every continent, and December 6 holds special meaning to many communities. I’ve invited the historic St. Nicholas to Trinity Cathedral to explore his message of mercy, generosity, and his dedication share Christ’s love across the world.
The Very Rev. Vanessa E. B. Clark+
Watch our interview with St. Nicholas (Norm Melichar) below or click here (time stamp 29:16)