St. Nick

Katie would like to remind everybody that the true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while 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 while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

OK, so the photo is a couple of weeks late (from St. Nicholas Day at our church), but the message is a good one in lieu of the typical roly-poly red-suited American symbol for merry holiday festivity and commercial activity...

(Pay no attention to the very commercial Disney Princess that is front and center in Katie's clutches)