“The greatest gift you will ever receive will never be found under a Christmas tree. It is far too valuable to be stored in any other place but in the depths of your heart.” ~ Anonymous
What do you mean, there’s no Santa Claus? I submit my proof to you: St. Nicholas. There.
Yes, today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus. Nicholas has definitely developed a larger-than-life reputation but it is well-deserved. As a bishop in his community, he was said to have come to the aid of several poor and needy people. The work that he did was largely anonymous.
God wants us to help one another. He wants us to look out for the welfare of others. And He wants us to do so without any regard for reward. We are to love one another solely because it is the right thing to do and not because we will get something out of it. To do so without a hope for reward is a love that is pure and undefiled and a love that is most pleasing to God because it mimics His own love.
The story of Santa Claus has been told and retold many times through the ages. It gives people joy to think about someone who loved as Nicholas did and helped others as he did. The retelling of his story can bring joy to our children and teach them a lesson as well. There is nothing better than to see joy on the face of a child who has learned how to help others. If you have ever seen a child give another person a gift or help someone somehow, you know what I mean.
We need to treasure those thoughts and feelings so that they fuel us to do good for others. The joy of helping others is a unique kind of reward in and of itself. It is God’s way of allowing us to reap a special benefit for what we have done. Know joy by touching peoples’ lives today and making their worlds a better place.
FAITH ACTION: As St. Nicholas blessed so many people in need, try your best to be a blessing to others in need this day.