Almighty Father, lover of souls, who chose your servant Nicholas to be a bishop in the Church, that he might give freely out of the treasures of your grace: make us mindful of the needs of others and, as we have received, so teach us also to give; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

This coming Tuesday, December 6th, is the feast of St. Nicholas in the church calendar. This Sunday in the Garden, our children will mark this feast day with a variety of crafts and lessons, and even perhaps with a visit from the saint of old! 

A mildly humorous meme made popular online has portrayed St. Nicholas as something less than jolly. The meme references a remarkable incident when St. Nick engaged in fisticuffs with a teacher of heresy. This incident may seem out of character when we consider what we know of St. Nicholas’ generosity, especially to the poor, and the clear example it is for us. We are reminded by his life's witness, that though we are undeserving, we have received much. In response to God's generosity, we extend ourselves and give as an act of worship, gratitude, and participation in His Kingdom work. In relation to acts of generosity, you might reflect upon this quote of C.S. Lewis this Advent. 

What do we make of the more “physical” aspect of St. Nicholas’ legacy? Considering the tragic and unfaithful legacy of violence in Christian history, I certainly wouldn't advocate for the use of violence! However, St. Nicholas does demonstrate a certain rigor and valuing the truth of God's character and action that is a part of faithfulness. In addition to his miracles of healing, Jesus preached and taught, making claims about himself and all reality (the controversy Nicholas was engaged in related to the full divinity of Jesus). Those convictions were the basis for his generous action and animate the church's own. The church is called to contend, with gentleness and humility, for these truths. 

As we wait in hope for the fullness of God’s kingdom, the call upon our lives is both to deeds that manifest that hope (actions of generosity, mercy, and justice) and to the holding forth of the convictions that give rise to such hope (the truths of the Gospel and God’s character as seen in Jesus and articulated in Scripture). As we move through this Advent season, may the Spirit form us to follow in the way and witness of Nicholas and others, and make us an abundantly generous community that tenaciously holds fast to the truth.

Waiting with you,

Peter+ 

Ps. Our family has been really blessed by listening together to the Advent readings and reflections on this app, readings from Scripture along with thoughts from Church Fathers and Mothers!