Giving: From St Nick to Santa

21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 21:21-23

Jesus wasn't just blowing smoke when he said to sell your possessions and give it to the poor, that's how he rolled. 

Think about it. The Scriptures teach Jesus left the perfection of heaven so he could dwell with humanity. He lived in an environment where everything was perfect and in abundance. 

You see, he voluntarily came here not as God, but as a human servant. The Scriptures teach that he was obedient, even to the point of death. He gave up everything to help us, the poor and ostracized from God in his world. Is it no wonder that he wants his followers to have that similar type of mindset (Philippians 2:5-8).  

Interestingly, there was a man born in the third century, who took this teaching to heart, literally. His name was Nicholas, better known as St. Nick. You see, who we have come to know as Santa, was borrowed from this man, including the gifts, the red robe, and the beard. His story revolves around tragedy, but ends with sainthood. 

He was born during the third century in the village of Patara. His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian, however, they both died while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God, even becoming the Bishop of Mira,  at a young age. 

Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.There are many stories about St. Nicolas's generosity. One of them involves a poor man who had three daughters.

In those days, a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. 

This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. However, on three different occasions, Nicholas deposited a bag of gold in their home-thus providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold were tossed through an open window and apparently landed near stockings and shoes that were left to dry before the fire. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. 

St Nicholas lived a life of giving throughout his life, from the beginning of his childhood, to his appointment as Bishop, to his invitation to the Council of Nicaea in 325, all the way through his martyrdom.  

St Nicholas was a man who not only recognized Jesus and his Christmas virgin birth, but gave like him and was willing to keep giving until it was all gone. May we take this to heart and look to give generously by helping those in need.