St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, a forensic scientist's composite 

Of course there is a Santa Claus. Anyone who says there isn't just doesn't know history!

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.

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

Thanks to our hosts Lexa, L.G, and Tonja Drecker for this weekly good things check in! 

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!!