Who was Saint Nicholas?

from the old testament

• God repeatedly commanded His people to care for the poor, widows, orphans, and the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 15:7–11; Proverbs 19:17). Nicholas was traditionally known for secretly giving money to people in need.
• Proverbs teaches that generosity toward others reflects wisdom and righteousness (Proverbs 11:24–25; 22:9). Nicholas's reputation for giving fits this biblical emphasis.
• God's people are called to reflect His character by showing mercy and justice (Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9–10). These are qualities associated with Saint Nicholas's ministry.
  
• The Old Testament repeatedly calls God's people to remain faithful to Him even when surrounded by falsehood and opposition (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Joshua 24:14–15). Saint Nicholas remained faithful, even when Christians were persecuted for their faith.

from the new testament

• Jesus taught His followers to give to those in need without seeking public recognition (Matthew 6:1–4). Nicholas's tradition of giving secretly fits this principle particularly well.
• Jesus commanded His followers to love one another sacrificially (John 13:34–35). Giving generously—of our time, money, lives, and resources fits this call, as God also calls us to love not in word alone but in truth and in deed (1 John 3:18).
• The early church took seriously the responsibility to care for people in need, and Nicholas continued that responsibility (Acts 2:44–45; James 1:27).
  
• Christians are called to "contend for the faith" and to hold firmly to sound teaching (Jude 3; Titus 1:9). Nicholas was remembered as a defender of orthodox Christian teaching about Jesus.
• Whether or not every story told about Nicholas is historically accurate, the virtues associated with him—generosity, compassion, courage, and concern for the vulnerable—are qualities the Bible calls Christians to pursue (Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3–4).

implications for today

Saint Nicholas was a real Christian leader who lived in the 4th century (roughly AD 270–343), when Christianity was still relatively young and had experienced persecution. He served as the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. He is the historical person behind many of the traditions that eventually became Santa Claus, although the biblical picture of Christian generosity is much more important than the later legends. Saint Nicholas is known for his generosity toward the poor. One of the oldest traditions about Nicholas tells of him secretly giving money to a poor family with three daughters, helping provide for their future. The details of the story are difficult to verify historically, but his reputation for generosity is very old. Saint Nicholas is also remembered as a defender of the Christian faith. Later tradition portrays him as strongly opposing false teaching about Christ, particularly Arianism. The famous story that Nicholas actually slapped Arius at Nicaea, however, is a much later legend and should not be presented as established history.

Somewhere along the way, Saint Nicholas became the inspiration for the Santa Claus we know today. Stories about Nicholas spread across Europe; his name and traditions changed in different languages and cultures, and eventually those traditions developed into the familiar Santa Claus—North Pole, reindeer, elves, chimney, and all.

But behind the legends is a real Christian who was remembered for something much more meaningful: he loved Jesus and was known for generously caring for people in need. So while the world gets caught up in all the hullabaloo of Santa Claus at Christmas time, let's use that cultural reality to connect people to the real Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, and ultimately point people to God.

Saint Nicholas' feast day is December 6, a day in many cultures dedicated to remembering the historical Saint Nicholas and reminding ourselves of the kind of person God calls us to be. Nicholas's example points us toward giving generously, caring for those in need, and loving others sacrificially.

We may never fill a stocking at midnight or leave gifts by a fireplace, but we can notice the person who needs encouragement, help someone who is struggling, give generously when no one is watching, and make someone else's day a little brighter. The best way to celebrate the real Nicholas is by becoming more like Christ. Let the Santa traditions remind you that generosity is fun and loving, kindness is worth living out, and giving can point people to the God who gave us His greatest gift in Jesus.