By Kaka Lucas, 7/12/2022

Christmas is here, and in social media and social places, a mannequin of Santa is often placed by the entrance of the establishment with a lot of gifts in his sack (crocus bag). This Christmas, unlike other Christmases that have passed, let us all have a valid answer to the question we may encounter from Sunday school children, youths, and our young adults.

Is Santa real?

Yes, Santa is real; not as the world and society may have pictured him or labeled him, but the modern Santa that we see in shopping malls and movies has its roots in Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family in the 23rd Century. When his parents went to be with the Lord, he distributed their wealth and became a priest. He was well known for his generosity and care for the people. His generosity was like a perfume that went far and wide. One of his well-known stories is about how he dropped a small sack of coins in the window of a family in desperate need. This divine help provided the family with money enough to pay for their daughters’ dowry, otherwise they would have been taken into slavery or used as prostitutes.

 

During the time of his visit to the family, Nicholas was an appointed bishop. The parent of these girls was awakened when he heard the sack of gold being dropped through the window and, looking out, he was lucky enough to have a glimpse of Saint Nicholas who was dressed in a red and gold robe. Nicholas wished to remain anonymous, but his act of kindness was talked about much in the community. The parent of the two girls spoke about Nicholas far and wide, and the beauty of his anonymous giving was unveiled to the world. Because of this act from Saint Nicholas, people in the world started giving anonymously and the spirit of Saint Nicholas went on from generation to generation, century after century, to today. 

Nicholas began the anonymous giving. Many years after he was dead and gone, his spirit still lives among us. This is a profound reminder to all of us that there are people in our world who live in terrible economic conditions.

Is Santa real? Yes, Santa is as real as daylight; not when we spoil our family members and friends with gifts of all kinds; not when we waste food and overspend during the Christmas season, but when we teach ourselves, our family and friends, and the society at large, to have the spirit of Saint Nicholas, the Spirit of Generosity, the spirit to give generously to those in need. In doing so, we bring to them the graces of Christmas, peace, hope and joy that we oftentimes take for granted.

During this festive season, and as we usher in the new year, 2023, let us step out of our cocoons and be the difference that we want to see in the world. Together, let us bring hope, comfort, and joy to those who need it most.