St. Nicholas

December 6, the Latin and eastern churches celebrate the memory of the martyr bishop, St. Nicholas. Although not much verifiable history is known about him, his reputation for charity, love for the needy, care for children and a December feastday made it natural that he be drawn into the ambit of Christmas celebrations long ago. He eventually was morphed into the "jolly old elf", Santa Clause and perhaps non-Catholic and non-Orthodox Christians don't realize the the figure is based on an ancient Christian. (No need to get all worried about Santa replacing the Baby Jesus, since the saints are all about pointing beyond themselves to the Christ. Still, even Martin Luther was worried that St. Nicholas was getting too much attention and wanted more emphasis on the Baby Jesus. But you can read all about that yourself.)

Anyway, since the Carmelite Province to which I belonged had come originally from Bavaria, we kept the tradition of special treats for the feast of Nicholas, something that still gets some attention in the heavily German-rooted state of Wisconsin. Some stores even had special sales -- mini-sales -- for St. Nicholas Day.

There is even a connection to the candy cane -- shaped like the bishop's crozier, or shepherd's staff. That is the reference in the following modern appeal for the saint's prayers:

St. Nicholas, patron of children, may this candy cane, shaped like your Bishop's staff, be a reminder of Advent joy. Help us prepare for the miracle of the coming of Jesus. Help us not to be blind to the gifts of getting ready. Help us be sincere in the greetings we send and receive, with love and prayer. Kind St. Nicholas, protect us from shoppers' fatigue, help us to be kind and generous of heart. Wherever candy canes are hung, may they bring the bright blessings of God. Let them be reminders of the joy of sharing and our call to be God's peaceful children as we wait for Jesus. St. Nicholas, pray for us! AMEN!