03.2.3 Christmas Eve Message : We Forgive You, St. Nicholas!
Nicholas of Myra punching Bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea
The birth of Jesus Christ may be the “reason for the season,” but for millions of children the man of the moment is Santa Claus.
While it’s widely known that the Santa Claus of Christmas is derived from St. Nicholas, few know much about the original Saint Nick beyond the fact that he did not actually live at the North Pole, own flying reindeer, or employ a workshop full of elves.
Nicholas was a political ally of Athanasius of Alexandria during the Church intrigues of the 4th Century that led to Trinitarianism. And, like Athanasius, he is rumored to have come into power at an absurdly young age through dubious means.