Who understands trouble best. The One who gave us Christmas.We have all heard of the competing myth of Santa Claus for Christmas. We have all heard the true story of St. Nicholas as a bishop of Turkey, saved 3 poor daughters from a terrible fate by leaving a bag of gold to redeem them (myth or reality: it was dropped down the chimney, but this is just a detail.) Poor St. Nicholas, would he be pleased to be remembered as a jolly, fat man flying in a magic sleigh, magically delivering gifts with Rudolph? Probably not.
Nicholas knew Jesus. Nicholas was a friend to Jesus. Nicholas produced fruit in his life letting us know that he was grafted on to the tree of God’s family. Nicholas’s real life looked like Jesus. Nicholas came into this life and trouble found him, like Jesus, he didn’t go looking for it on purpose. (St. Paul referred to this as kicking the goads.) Nicholas, like Jesus, was physically separated from his father (separated by both parents) by epidemic at a young age. He followed the advice of Jesus to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Like Jesus, we see Nicholas comforted, gave everything he could, and preached good news to the poor. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.
Jesus was unfairly condemned to die as a criminal. Perhaps St. Nicholas would say that he is unfairly condemned to be remembered as the Christmas stealer, don't you have strong doubts that he’d be pleased taking attention from Jesus? We can have comfort knowing that Nicholas is at rest with the Lord. But as Jesus was unfairly condemned as a criminal; under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Remember, these bishops traveled a long way when travel was rare and difficult; they were recognized as criminals to serve Jesus, it was not the honor of position to serve the King of Kings.
Here is the work of St. Nicholas, who served God in persecution and in times of trouble:
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Free download for “God rest ye Merry Gentlemen” http://www.thanksmuch.com/christmas/god-rest-ye-merry-gentleman-mp3.html
Luke 20:19-26
19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” 25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.
Psalm 116:7
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
Psalm 132:14
This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it-
Matthew 10:13
If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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