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"So many people wanted him as theirs that he's the patron saint of almost everything: unwed mothers, children — which, of course, is the most prominent, pawnbrokers, and sailors and merchants and cookie makers, apothecaries. You just name it and he's got something to do with it."

Many European countries have a long tradition of celebrating the Feast Day of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6. Then St. Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus and got all tied up with Christmas.

"If you look at the name Santa Claus, you will see 'Santa' means saint and 'Claus' is simply an abbreviation from Nicholas," Rosenthal said. "But the reality is he became a secular image."

American writers and advertisers helped disseminate a new myth that made no mention of the jolly old saint's religious connections.

Church leaders emphasize that Nicholas' generosity was motivated by his Christian faith, that he was following Jesus' command to love others, to help those who are suffering and to do one's good deeds in secret.

"The problem with Santa Claus as it stands now is that it's a substitute for Christmas — Santa Claus instead of the crèche, instead of the manger, instead of the nativity scene," said Rosenthal. "This man we would find kneeling at the nativity scene saying, 'This is what I'm here to celebrate as well."'

c. 2008 Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

For more articles about Advent, the Incarnation, and more, see our Christmas special section.

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December (Web-only) 2008, Vol. 53