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maltatoday, SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 IV Christmas for children The inspiration behind Santa Claus THE true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas who was born during the third century in a village in Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a Christian, died in an epidemic whilst 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 and was made Bishop of Myra whilst still a young man. Bishop Nicholas very soon became known throughout the land for his generos- ity to those in need, his dedication to protect children and his concern for sailors and ships. Under the Emper- or Diocletian who ruthlessly perse- cuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith – was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons – there was no room for real criminals; murderers, thieves and robbers. After his re- lease, Nicholas attended the council of Nicea in 325AD where he heroi- cally defended the church against heresy. Through the centuries, many stories and legends have been told about St Nicholas' life. These accounts help us understand his ex- traordinary character and why he's so beloved and perceived as protec- tor of those in need… and why he's the inspiration behind Santa Claus. The beginning of the stocking One story tells us about a poor man with three daughters. In those days, the young women's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value; a dowry. Without a dowry a woman was unlikely to marry. Without dowries, these poor women were destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes which were left next to the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes before awaiting gifts from St Nicholas St Nicholas - patron saint and protector of children Another story tells of three students travelling on their way to Athens. An innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicho- las, travelling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night, he dreamt of the crime, got up and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicho- las prayed to God, the three boys were restored to life. In France, the story is told of three small children who were captured by an evil butcher. St Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. St Nicholas - patron of sailors and voyages Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sail. When he was young, he made a pilgrimage to the holy land, when a mighty storm threat- ened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed. Other stories tell the story of Nicholas saving people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently ac- cused, and much more. During his life he did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. This is why he is also the patron saint of gift giving. He died on the sixth of December 343AD in Mayra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic called manna formed in his grave. This liquid substance was said to have healing powers and fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. Within a century of his death, he was celebrated as a saint. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration. – Saint Nicholas Day – December 6. The Legend of Santa Claus is born In 1823, a popular poem called 'The Night Before Christmas' describes Saint Nicholas as bringing toys and sweets to children on Christ- mas Eve. The legend of Santa Claus was born. Santa has since been portrayed by dozens of artists in a wide variety of styles, sizes and col- ours. It has been a long journey from the fourth century Bishop of Mayra, St Nicholas, who showed his devotion to God through kindness and generosity to those in need to the modern day jolly Santa Claus. However, if you look at the true story, he is still Nicholas, bishop of Mayra, who continues to model true giving and joy during the Christmas season. in return. This is why he is also the patron saint of gift fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. Within a century of his death, he was celebrated as a saint. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration. – joy during the Christmas season.