St Nicholas was born during the third century in what is not Turkey, He came from a very wealthy, Christian family and as an only child he was raised as a devout christianm. He spent most of his time practicing his faith and serving the poor. Many days he could be found sharing what he had giving them his cothes. He particularily focused on the children.
An epidemic struck his small village and killed many people including his parent. Now, he was an orphan, but he inherited the families' vast fortune. He continued to help the needy and with his vas inheritance, he was able to help even more. He no longer wore his fine clothes and gave them away too.
At Chritmas time, Nicholas would leave small gifts on the door steps of each child in the small village. The children did not know where the gifts came from, but they were alwways surprised.
Once a certain man was about to abandon his three daughters to a iife if sin because he could not provide them with a suitable dowry. Nicholas heard about the problem and tossed a pouch full of gold ttrough the man's window one night, thus ensuring that the man's daughtee had an adequate dowry. When it was time for the second daughter, Nicholas did the same thing. The greatful man kept watch to catch the person who did such a selfless deed. When it came time for the third daughter to marry, the father recognized Nicholas and thanked him endlessly. He was given the name Santa Claus as people retold the stories over and over.
Nicholas became a bishop of the Catholic Church, and a great bacilica was built over his tomb. Many years later, he was was declared a Saint by the church. His city became famous as well. There are many traditions of Saint Nicholas celebrated through out Europe and the rest of the world.
Saint Nichalos teaches us to have a generous heart. Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus.
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Posted By: Thomasena Martin-Johnson
Saturday, December 21st 2013 at 1:01PM
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