Yes Virginia there is a Saint Nicholas
Today being the feast day of Saint Nicholas I was thinking about how cool it would be to go to the Mall dressed as this 4th century saint. To sit on the chair normally reserved for that cheap-imitator Santa (talk about identity theft), but to also take on some of his traditions. When children tell you what they want you could rebuke them for their materialism and to urge them to pray for the salvation of themselves and others and that they should work on a virtue that they lack. Remind that that while ole St. Nicholas doesn't actually keep a list of those who are naughty and nice there is a Lamb's Book of Life that they do want to get listed in. That if they do not obtain this they will get more than a lump of coal, but a eternal fire no doubt heated by more than just one lump of coal. Of course getting forcibly escorted out by Mall security as you left a trail of crying children might not be such a good idea.
Another thing is that the idea of a bishop promising gifts to children who sit on his lap must surely violate the Dallas norms and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
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This made me laugh, a lot, esp. the 'escorted out of the mall' and 'crying children' part. Seriously though, not enough people even know that Santa Clause came from St. Nick. For all those with kids I recommend the 'Autobiography of Santa Claus'
This was good! Thanks for making me giggle this morning. j.
It's especially ironic to think of "Santa Claus" rebuking children for their materialism.
Thanks for the laugh!
LOL! Thanks for the smile this afternoon. It is difficult to combat what others put in my three-year-old's head with the truth. No north pole, no reindeer, and no presents on Christmas. He is a Catholic Bishop, in heaven, and he left me some treats in my stocking last night. And PLEASE, THERE IS NO MRS. CLAUS!!!
Let's not forget St. Nicholas' most famous stunt: punching Arius in the mouth at the Council of Nicaea!
Perhaps the "modern reenactment" could involve those who commercialize Christmas, rather than merely denying the Divinity of Christ. :P
At least St. Nicholas might pull that stunt again on people who name Christmas 'Winter Festival' (They've just offended people on the Southern Hemisphere by using that!) or whatever term they come up with.
St. Nicholas would not reprimand children for materialism. He would censure their parents.
To quote Roald Dahl, "Girls don't spoil themselves, you know."
But the idea is good (except for the mall security/crying kids part)...
OK, Jester, I think you appreciate this true story. A young mother explains to her four year old son that Santa is St. Nicholas, a very holy man who died a long time ago, and now lives in Heaven and prays for us.
A short while later the two are shopping, and while mom is checking out the merchandise, she notices a woman come up to her son and ask if he's been a good boy so Santa will come visit on Christmas Eve. She doesn't hear her son's answer, but does notice the woman give her a very "odd" look.
That evening, she tells the story to Dad, and concludes that their son must have said something to the woman like, "Santa is pretend." The little boy pipes up:
"No, no, mama; I told her that Santa is dead."
An "odd" look indeed!
Seriously, Jeff! Do it!!! :-)