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Christianity Today, December (Web-only), 2008 |

Keeping St. Nick, the Man Not Myth, Alive

More and more churches are finding ways to practice the St. Nicholas story.

Kim Lawton, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly | posted 12/19/2008 03:39PM

'Tis the season of Christmas and Santa Claus, it seems, is everywhere. Children anxiously await his gift-bearing arrival, but some Christians are worried that most of those children — and their ...

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Don	Posted: December 24, 2008 7:22 PM


Why do Christians think Jesus needs a substitute to celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas? Saint Nick didnt die on a cross for our sins either, yet christians have no problem promoting a myth that Santa sees al-knows all!

RJR fan

Posted: December 22, 2008 9:14 PM


My favorite "Jolly old Saint Nicholas story involves the Council of Nicea. While there, Nicholas encountered Arius ... and beat him up.

Adrian

Posted: December 22, 2008 8:00 PM

Very enlightening! In the Netherlands, St Nicolas (or "Sinterklaas") has, for hundreds of years, been very big. Although the link with Christ receives no attention in this very secularized country, we are without doubt talking about the same person here, the bishop from Myra, generous gift giver, Saint. Every year in mid November, the arrival of St.Nicolas on a steamer is staged in the port of Rotterdam. The event is attended by huge crowds, media, and usually a member of the royal family. St.Nicolas ("St.Nicolaas" or "Sinterklaas", or just "De Sint" ("The Saint")) visits schools, hospitals, etc, as his helpers throw around candy. De Sint rides the roofs on his white mare, dropping presents in the childrens' shoes through the chimneys. It all leads to "St.Nicolas Evening" on Dec. 5, a family gift giving event, enjoyed by children and adults alike, gifts being accompanied by witty poems highlighting the recipients' character, life and adventure.

George T.

Posted: December 22, 2008 5:38 PM


St Nick is not only about Christmas. He was---and is---a real Saint.Please look upon his history and miracles !!

Adam	Posted: December 22, 2008 5:11 PM


This year we're giving gifts on St. Nicholas' Day (12/6) and Epiphany (1/6), but not on Christmas, to keep the focus on the Incarnation. We found a good children's book about St. Nicholas, and I'm sure there are others. Actually when I learned more about him, I felt bad for commercializing his day. Oh well.

Joel	Posted: December 22, 2008 12:52 PM


I was really glad to see this article. I have a daughter who knows all about Santa Claus, but I long to teach her about the real St. Nick. Unfortunately, getting a story that isn't bogged down by the accretion of myths surrounding him seems difficult. I'll keep looking...

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