Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus

Former U.S. Secretary of Education, radio talk show host, and author William Bennett has a new book out this Christmas season.  It's called THE TRUE SAINT NICHOLAS Why He Matters to Christmas.  Dr. Bennett tells the story of Nicholas, born in what is now Turkey to a wealthy, childless couple, the answer to their prayers.  Nicholas's parents, devout Christians, saw in their son's childhood actions indications that he would  "...serve God and man in a remarkable way."  Their intuition was correct in ways they never imagined and would never see because they died in a plague.  Young Nicholas went to live with his uncle in a monastery and ultimately resolved to train for the priesthood. For him this meant giving away his possessions including his substantial inheritance.  The ways in which he did this gained him a reputation for kindness and generosity, a mantle placed centuries later on the ample shoulders of the modern Santa Claus.

Nicholas became bishop of the coastal city of Myrna. His faith carried him and encouraged others. though storms at sea, and persecutions in Rome.  He lived to see Constantine take power and encourage the spread of Christianity. To address doctrinal differences, Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea. Tradition says Nicholas was there, opposing heresy.

After his death, Nicholas became known as 'the Wonderworker'and his power to change hearts became legend.  Stories have him battling pagan deities and demons, guiding and healing.  He was known never to take credit, but always to point people to God and trust in Him. The name Saint Nicholas traveled far. Churches and basilicas were dedicated to him. He starred in miracle plays. Holidays were celebrated in his honor. Children were named after him.

Bill Bennett writes, "...the Middle Ages gave way to science and reason.." The Protestant reformers opposed and tore at traditions and art that honored saints. .By the end of the 16^th century Nicholas was banished from the religious life of Europe, but not from people's hearts.  Dr. Bennett points out that he may have lost his place in churches, but he moved into peoples homes.  The stories of his acts on behalf of children endured so that he became known as the benefactor of children everywhere.

Bill Bennett takes the reader on a fascinating trip through various European countries in which traditions about Christmastime bringers of gifts drew from certain of Nicholas's qualities, and the stories about him. Finally, we're taken across the ocean to the New World where a New York businessman, an author, a poet, Macy's department store and Coca Cola all contributed to the development of our uniquely American gift-giver, Santa Claus.

Bill Bennett, author of THE BOOK OF VIRTUES, believes Santa is good for the culture. He writes, "Santa Claus is...the result of a Christ-inspired goodness that has rippled across seventeen centuries,... a manifestation of Saint Nicholas's decision to give to others."  Bill Bennett is Catholic and I am Protestant.  But I think he makes a good case that Saint Nicholas does matter to Christmas.