This is a guest post by Sr. Jean Hopman, O.S.U.
December 6th is the feast of Saint Nicholas. In some countries, Nicholas is known as Father Christmas. Before going to bed, children leave their shoes outside the door. In the morning, they find treats left by Saint Nicholas.
Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in Lycia, in modern day Turkey. Legend says that over the course of three nights, he secretly visited the home of an impoverished nobleman and left bags of gold for dowries for the man’s three daughters.
Nicholas paid attention to the people around him. He used his own resources to alleviate the effects of poverty in the lives of people he knew were struggling. In this season of gift-giving, Nicholas reminds us of what it’s really all about.
Nicholas observed the people around him and knew who was in need. Slow down this Advent season and pay attention to the people you see each day at work, school, or home. Who is in need of a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand? In the spirit of St. Nicholas, decide how you can help.
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I love advent because since i had kids I have slowed down …Immaculate Conception after St Nicks day ..this season is full of spiritual events to think about while we lite the candles on the advent wreath..Now that my kids are older we still sit with the candles and reminice about advent pasts and just how are weeks or days are going getting ready for Christmas!!
Paula, sitting with the candles and sharing about the days & weeks events is a WONDERful Advent tradition. It’s informal, and it sounds like a deep bond is shared by those come together. Thanks for sharing it with us.