We celebrate today Dec 6th the annual feast of Saint Nicholas. It is from there that the story of Santa started. The real story of Santa is so important and it’s a story that brings such joy and happiness all over the world. There are some who say Santa is not real. But maybe they don’t know the real story and why his story of love is one of the most important stories we have today. Let’s take a quick look.
The story of Santa started in a place called Myra in Turkey in the fourth century. He was known locally as Saint Nicholas, a man who was kind, generous, helpful and full of love. He simply went from house to house, dropping gifts down the chimney for everyone below. At first nobody knew who the generous giver was. But soon word got out that it was Nicholas.
In later years he became known as Santa. He became so popular he had to move to a quieter part of the world known as Lapland, which isn’t too far from the North Pole. Santa never grows old, and his message is forever. It’s a beautiful message that love is the greatest gift we have today and every day. The gifts we receive at Christmas and the gifts we give are all about love. Sometimes the simple gifts of love are the ones that matter most. These are the ones Santa loves to share with you and every child today. Happy Christmas and keep sharing the gift of love with those who matter most to you.
(All of the above is updated daily)
Video 🎥
Today December 6th is the feast of Saint Nicholas❤️
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Thought For The Week
We began our journey through Advent on Sunday. Many call it the run into Christmas. It is certainly that but it is also much more.
Advent has been described as a spiritual treasure. This treasure is not hidden or meant just for a select few. It is ours to explore and to know that there is a beautiful message waiting to be discovered.
At the heart of this message is that we are loved, unique, precious and special. The God of Christmas is a God of love. In a world where darkness and negativity seem to have lots of momentum, Christmas reminds us that this momentum can be slowed down. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day it comes to a gentle halt.
We have our Advent Wreath here. We have seen it many times before and for me it is always a sign of hope. It is circular to remind us of God’s eternal and constant love of us. Nothing will ever change this.
The late Pope Francis said in one of his Christmas letters: “Those who open their hearts to God’s love and are open to receiving the light of Jesus, cannot keep this gift to themselves.”
Advent is often pushed to the sidelines because there isn’t time to become reflective or there isn’t time to be quiet in the run up to Christmas. Does this make Advent less important? Not at all. It is our treasure waiting to be discovered. I hope you have a lovely journey through Advent.
And now I’m going to light the first candle here on the wreath. The flame is a sign of hope. A sign of the difference God’s light can make in our lives.
And I will finish with a prayer to bless this Advent wreath
Loving God, bless this wreath and the light it will give. This candle flame reminds us that Jesus is with us. Bless us with hope, peace, joy and love. There are many shapes, but the circle of light and love that are part of this Advent wreath are ours to hold and to share. Bless us with light and love today. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
