St. Nick

Our pastor has been doing Advent messages using popular themes of the culture around Christmas, like movies and T.V. shows,. He always brings it back to the true meaning of our Christmas celebration, but he, like me, does not mind sharing the Christmas season with the whole world, regardless of their understanding. I mean, surely we would love others to find the peace and joy of Jesus coming to earth because of God’s love for us, but until people understand the true meaning of Christmas, perhaps they first need to see Christians enjoying our Holy Day as their Holiday.

At any rate, today is the celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas. This was kind of a big deal in my family’s German Catholic tradition, because St. Nicholas would visit homes on this evening and leave little gifts in shoes laid outside the door. I have carried it on to some extent by helping my children celebrate the day with their children.

Traditions around the Christmas season are helpful for our dreary winter days. Gatherings around the holiday season make life more joyful. Traditions and rituals, as I have said before, are reassuring to us. Traditions help alleviate some general anxiety because they are things we can count on. That being said, I hope my readers do not overstress themselves during these days with worries about gift-giving and party hosting.

Just enjoy the season!

And by the way, Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Prayer: Lord, help rekindle our child-like joy of Christmas, Amen