19 Days to Christmas, Saturday, Dec 6, 2025

“Sinterklaas and Christmas:  The Heart of God”

Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas, when much of the Western Church celebrates the life of St. Nicholas of Myra. Born around A.D. 270, Nicholas entered the priesthood and later became bishop of Myra on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey.

St. Nicholas is remembered for his extraordinary generosity, especially toward children. Over time, he became the patron saint of children, sailors, those recovering from fires, and anyone facing financial hardship. But Nicholas also played an important role in Christian history as a participant at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325.

He’s often called the most famous attendee because of a well-known (though unproven) legend. Arius, a teacher at the council, claimed that Jesus was not fully God—a belief that would dismantle the Trinity and the very foundation of our Faith. According to the story, Nicholas finally “had enough” and gave Arius a quick pop in the mouth. It didn’t solve the controversy (yet), but it did leave Christians with a memorable picture of Sinterklaas as both gentle and courageous, a servant who fiercely defended the truth of Christ.

Our English name Santa Claus comes straight from St. Nicholas.  The Dutch called him Sint Nikolaas, shortened to Sinterklaas, which eventually became Santa Claus in our culture. One old tradition says folks should place their wooden shoes outside their bedroom door the night before his feast, so that Sinterklaas can fill them with small gifts, candy, and spare change.  (I love that!) If you didn’t put your wooden shoes outside your door last night, there’s always next year!

Some people worry that we’ve taken Christmas too far.  Maybe in some ways… but not if we remember where it all comes from… Because the story of St. Nicholas, the joy of generosity, the light we celebrate, and the hope that rises each December all flow from the heart of God, who created Christmas for all people.

Nicholas gave because God first gave the Gift.  Nicholas defended the faith because God came near in Jesus, the Word made flesh.  Nicholas showed mercy because God poured out mercy on the world.

So today, as we continue our Advent journey, may every act of kindness point us back to this truth:

“All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.”  (James 1:17, NET)