St. Nicholas
 |
| St. Nicholas, a forensic scientist's composite |
Santa Claus, the jolly fat man in the red suit, may be a bit of an Americanized description of a very real bishop turned saint, but the stories of his generosity and love are completely accurate.
The 4th century was a time of great Christian persecution. Many Christians were imprisoned and tortured for their beliefs. Nicholas was a fiery believer, never backing down from his faith even when he was locked up and tortured. His nose was said to be crooked from where it was broken and didn't heal properly.
His parents left him a comfortable inheritance, but Nicholas was a man of devout faith and believed in the principles of charity and piety. He donated his inheritance to helping his fellow man. Of note was the donation of dowry money to a poor man who was considering forcing his three daughters into prostitution when no husband could be found.
Some of his other good deeds are less human and more saint-like.
St. Nicholas was born in the 4th century in a town on the coast of Myra, which is in modern-day Turkey. Also known as Nikolaos of Myra, he was the only child of Christian parents. They died from a plague when he was a young boy. Nicholas was sent to live with his uncle, a bishop in the church.
The 4th century was a time of great Christian persecution. Many Christians were imprisoned and tortured for their beliefs. Nicholas was a fiery believer, never backing down from his faith even when he was locked up and tortured. His nose was said to be crooked from where it was broken and didn't heal properly.
His parents left him a comfortable inheritance, but Nicholas was a man of devout faith and believed in the principles of charity and piety. He donated his inheritance to helping his fellow man. Of note was the donation of dowry money to a poor man who was considering forcing his three daughters into prostitution when no husband could be found.
Some of his other good deeds are less human and more saint-like.
 |
| Tribute to St. Nicholas of Myra |
There is the tale of the three students traveling home from school. They stopped to rest at the inn, but big trouble was in store for these young people. They were robbed and murdered by the inn keeper. Nicholas dreamed of the crime, and then made a point of confronting the innkeeper who had stashed their bodies in brine. Nicholas prayed over them and they were resurrected.
There was also the story of him saving a boy from slavery. The young boy was abducted and carried from his home. A year later, on the feast day, his mother prayed for his safe return and he was "whisked away" blessed by St. Nicholas and dropped back at home to his mother.
This is how he became the patron saint of children. And he is still the spirit of generosity, protection, and joy for children all over the globe.
*Photo from National Geographic
CassaDawn by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction-Space Opera/Adventure/Military
eBook ISBN 9781939844354
The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!
A pilot in training...
Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…
Find it at: iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Amazon UK, and Goodreads
Plus he has another release!
Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
The ship of legends…
Find it on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon
Today is son #3, Carter's birthday. He's nineteen years old today. Totally unbelievable how fast he's grown up.
There was also the story of him saving a boy from slavery. The young boy was abducted and carried from his home. A year later, on the feast day, his mother prayed for his safe return and he was "whisked away" blessed by St. Nicholas and dropped back at home to his mother.
This is how he became the patron saint of children. And he is still the spirit of generosity, protection, and joy for children all over the globe.
*Photo from National Geographic
Science Fiction-Space Opera/Adventure/Military
eBook ISBN 9781939844354
The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!
A pilot in training...
Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…
Find it at: iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Amazon UK, and Goodreads
Plus he has another release!Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
The ship of legends…
Find it on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon
Today is son #3, Carter's birthday. He's nineteen years old today. Totally unbelievable how fast he's grown up.
Carter and Cole are home from school for the holidays. And they both brought home excellent grades to finish off the semester at WVU.
Only 9 days until Christmas!!
A wonderful story about St. Nicholas. I wish Alex all the best with his latest book.I have the others and found them a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne!
DeleteCongrats to Alex! St Nicholas very much deserves to be remembered.
ReplyDeleteYes, he does. He was quite an interesting character.
DeleteI learned a lot about St. Nicholas over the years. He's truly inspiring!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Alex!
Have a great weekend, Elizabeth!
Truly remarkable!
DeleteI never knew that about St. Nick.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning my new releases, Elizabeth. You rock!
My pleasure, Alex. I got it for my husband and he said it was excellent, as to be expected from one of your stories!
DeleteSure went out of his way to put others first indeed.
ReplyDeleteHe most certainly did.
DeleteI've heard that Saint Nicholas punched a heretic once. In church.
ReplyDeleteNissa from
http://myantimatterlife.wordpress.com
That is true! I almost put that in the post, but didn't want to make it too long. But yeah, he punched a heretic and got himself landed in prison for it.
DeleteInteresting history of St. Nicholas Liz, thanks. Happy birthday to Carter. You will enjoy having your sons home for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited, Jo. The only downfall is knowing how fast the time will go. But that's a silly thing to think of now.
DeleteFantastic story, I didn't know everything about St. Nick... just a few facts, but resurrecting the dead is nothing I've heard of...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Elizabeth...
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!
From what I've read, the story of the students and the brine may have been a bit of fantasy, but I added it because that story was credited for why he was made the saint of children.
DeleteWow, that is an amazing story. Truly a saint without question. Happy B'day Carter. Don't let anyone cheap on you for gifts just because of the holidays young man. *Wink* Merry Christmas to you and your family Liz.
ReplyDeleteYou tell 'em, Sheena-kay, I only deserve the best gifts.
DeleteYou have a Merry Christmas too.
A very important history lesson. I'd heard that story before, but I'd forgotten the details!!! Happy birthday to Carter. So glad you'll get to spend time with your kids. And congrats to Alex!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Carter! I didn't know any of that about St. Nicholas. I kinda thought he was legend and not real. Thanks for teaching me!
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I never thought of all the history that went into the Santa we know today and the saint behind it. Very cool:) Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWow, and here we just remember him as a jolly fat guy with a thing for milk and cookies. I like your retelling better. Way better. We both hope you have an awesome Christmas!
ReplyDelete