6 December is the feast of Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra, known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.
Saint Nicholas was born in the third century (around 270) in Patara, in Lycia, in what is now southern Turkey. He was bishop of the city of Myra and was famous for his kindness. According to a popular legend, he raised to life three children who had been killed by a butcher… Saint Nicholas died around the middle of the fourth century. Because of the miracle of the three children, he became the protector and patron saint of children.
Saint Nicholas, patron of children, may this candy shaped like a bishop’s crozier be a reminder of the joy of Advent. Help us prepare for the miracle of Jesus’ coming. Help us not to be blinded by the gifts of the season. Help us to be sincere in the greetings we send and receive with love and prayer. Kind and generous Saint Nicholas, protect us from the weariness of shopping; help us to be generous and big-hearted. And wherever these candies hang, may they bring us God’s shining blessings. May they remind us of the joy of sharing and call us to be gentle children of God as we wait for Jesus. Saint Nicholas, pray for us. Amen.
