December 6: Feast of Saint Nicholas
About this article
This prayer is taken from Good News, Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens. It introduces young people to Saint Nicholas whose feast day is December 6.December 6: SAINT NICHOLAS (FOURTH CENTURY)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation. (Isaiah 52:7)
Not much is known about Saint Nicholas except that he was a bishop in Asia Minor. Many legends have sprung up around this popular saint, and most of them have to do with his generosity and kindness, especially to those in need. In the United States, Saint Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus, who has become a symbol for the spirit of giving that we associate with the holiday season. Today is a good day to reflect on who really needs your help and generosity.
God of gladness, as I approach the birth of your Son, today's feast is a reminder to me of the joy that awaits us at Christmas. Help me never to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas that Saint Nicholas points us to: we are called to give generously to those in need.
Acknowledgments
(This prayer is taken from Good News, Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens, by Dee Bernhardt, Larry Schatz, and Laurie Ziliak [Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press, 1999], page 347. Copyright © 1999 by Saint Mary's Press. Permission is granted for this prayer to be used for classroom or campus ministry purposes. This prayer may not be republished in any form without written permission from Saint Mary's Press. To order this book, contact Saint Mary's Press at 800-533-8095, or visit our online catalog at www.smp.org/catalog.cfm.)
Published November 6, 2003.
