12/6/2014 – The feast of St Nicholas – Luke 10:1-9

     Today, it is with great joy that I am with all of you up here at St Thomas in Saltillo to celebrate the vigil of the feast of St Nicholas.   We know that St Nicholas was the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus in our modern celebrations of the Christmas season.   But who exactly was St Nicholas?   He was born in the small village of Patara on the southern coast of Turkey. Nicholas was born to a wealthy family and was raised as a Christian, but his parents died from an epidemic while he was young.   He inherited quite a large inheritance, but walking in the footsteps of those humble disciples who were sent out to be missionaries in today’s Gospel, Nicholas used his whole inheritance to help the sick and the poor.  He became well-known in his native land for his generosity, for his love for children, and his dedication to sailors and those who made their livelihood from the sea.  He became a bishop in the city of Myra when he was still a young man.  During the time he was bishop, the Roman Emperor Diocletian ushered in the era of the worst persecution of Christian in the early centuries of Christianity.  Nicholas was exiled and sent to prison with many other bishops, priests, and deacons.  After his release from prison, he became an influential attendee of the Council of Nicea in the year 325. In fact, legend has it is that he was so impassioned in the discussion that took place at that council that he got into a fistfight with someone.  He died on December 6 in 346.   

       We know that many different legends and stories have been told about St Nicholas, that he has become this iconic symbol of Christmas.  However, for us Christians, he is a great example for us during the Advent season, of how he became a protector of the poor and a helper of those in need.  I want to thank all of you here in the Saltillo community for gathering together this evening in the busy Advent season, to celebrate the spirit of the Advent season as we prepare the way for the Lord’s birth at Christmas time.  In the Eucharist we share as a community of faith, in the food and fellowship and friendship we share tonight, let the spirit of St Nicholas live amongst us.