Santa Claus

Once upon a time, in about the third century, in the city of Myra in modern-day Turkey, there was a young man named Nicholas. As a lad, Nicholas loved God and at an early age showed signs of becoming a strong Christian leader. By the time he was a teenager, he was often called the "Boy Bishop" and was greatly loved by everyone in the community.

Nicholas's family was very wealthy, and from the moment he received his inheritance, Nicholas began to give it away to the poor and needy. He especially loved to give gifts to children, though he always did it secretly. The best-known tale of his generosity involves three young sisters who were too poor to pay their wedding dowries. Nicholas wanted to help, but he didn't want to receive any credit for the act of charity.

Legend has it that Nicholas climbed onto the roof of their house and threw a gold coin down the chimney. The coin landed in the oldest girl's stocking as it was hanging beside the fireplace to dry. The second daughter's dowry was provided in the same mysterious way. So when the time came for the youngest girl to be married, her father hid himself on the roof and waited. Nicholas's secret was revealed, and he was loved even more than before.

Hundreds of years later, this good bishop was declared Saint Nicholas, pronounced Sinter Klass by the Dutch. Today, he is known far and wide as Santa Claus.

You may also have heard the name Kris Kringle. This comes from the Dutch work Christkindl, meaning "Christ child." Although this name is often used interchangeably with Santa Claus, it was originally created in an attempt to refocus people's attention on Jesus as the real gift-giver.

The truth is that Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Kris Kringle all reveal the giving heart of God, who is the original Father Christmas.