The countdown to Christmas is tick-tocking away, but have you ever wondered about the fascinating history behind Santa Claus, a real Christian hero?
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas, the season brims with talk about the legendary figure of jolly old Saint Nicholas. Whether you’ve taken your children to meet the mall Santa, shared stories of his gift-giving prowess, or are preparing to leave out milk and cookies, Santa Claus is undeniably a central figure in festive celebrations.
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As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year, let’s unwrap the jolly tales of the man in the red suit who sleighs the gift-giving game–Santa Claus.
Picture this: you’ve taken your little elves to the local mall for a ‘claus' encounter with the big man himself. Whether your kids are on the nice list, the naughty list, or somewhere in the ‘elf'-between, there’s no denying the joy of a Santa snapshot.
Maybe you’ve been busy sharing stories about Santa’s midnight gift deliveries or preparing to leave out milk and cookies for the ultimate sleigh-bell-ringing, chimney-sliding, ho-ho-ho-ing gift giver. And if your little sugar plums have started questioning the existence of the one and only Kris Kringle, worry not-Santa’s got a bag full of surprises.
Now, let’s dash through the snow and unwrap some ‘claus'-ic facts about the real Saint Nicholas, the man behind the beard, the legend behind the laughs, and the inspiration for our favorite ho-ho-holiday icon.
History Behind Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas was born in the late third century AD in what’s now modern-day Turkey. He was more than just a bishop-he was the original ‘saint-ational' Christmas cheerleader. Despite facing Roman government persecution for his faith in Christ that ‘snowball'-ed during his youth, Nicholas rose through the ranks faster than Rudolph’s red nose lighting up the night sky.
Fast forward to the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where Nicholas found himself in the middle of a theological “snow”-storm. In a “claus”-hanging moment, he decided to settle the dispute not with milk and cookies but with a good ol’ face fist fight, proving that even saints can pack a punch when it comes to defending our heavenly Father.
But it wasn’t all about fisticuffs for Saint Nicholas-his generosity was the stuff of legendary tales. Picture this: three young girls saved from servitude with a bag of money he left on their doorstep in the middle of the night. It was also believed he sprung three young men from wrongful imprisonment and sailors shouting, ‘Saint Nicholas, help us!' even when he was nowhere near the sea. Talk about a sleigh ride of miracles!
A Christmas Legend
Officially canonized in the 10th century, Saint Nicholas became a sensational figure, surviving the period of saint veneration during the Protestant Reformation. Even in the face of changing times, his popularity endured like a timeless Christmas carol. This history behind Santa Claus is certainly inspiring!
So, as we sleigh ride into the holiday season, let’s not forget the real gift Saint Nicholas left behind-a legacy of compassion, a conviction in the love of our Savior, and a reminder that Christmas is about more than presents under the tree.
The next time you feel conflicted about the popularity of Santa at Christmas, you'll be at ease knowing reflected Christ and was passionate about helping the poor, aiding those in need, and loving Christ with all of his heart, mind, and soul.
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As we count down the days until Christmas day, we know all about the grace and truth of the season, ho-ho-hoping for joy and spreading cheer far and wide. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly, and Santa’s sleigh ride of joy is the gift that keeps on giving!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life," John 3:16.
LISTEN: Here’s the Fascinating Story Behind Santa Claus, a Real Christian Hero
h/t: Life Audio
Image credit: Getty Images/Louisa Vallon Fumi