Letter to the Editor – Travis L. Middleton Jr.

Dear Editor,

Nicholas was born in 270AD in the Greek village of Patra to wealthy Christian parents (Epiphanius and Johanna) who died in an epidemic when he was young. Taken in by his uncle (the bishop of Patara), he was raised to be a devout Christian. Ordained a priest, he dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.

Steadily giving away his inheritance to the poor, sick and needy generated a curiosity that eventually exposed Father Nicholas as their benefactor, much to his chagrin. This revelation wasn’t a big surprise because his devotion and love for them and their children was already widely known and cherished.

By 1600, Father Nicholas had become a popular Saint in that part of the world. In 1800, his love of God and his devotion to the poor was introduced to America by Dutch emigrants. Writer Washington Irvin’s (Diedrich Knickerbocker) 1809 story in his book, “A History of New York…”, Clement Clarke Moore’s 1832 poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, and the image created in1862 by cartoonist Thomas Nast, collectively created the Santa Claus image popular today.

Whether you say Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Santa Claus or simply Santa you’re referring to the fourth-century Greek bishop whose love, devotion, and generosity to the less fortunate is mimicked throughout the world during the Christmas season. This is a season when selfishness is momentarily curtailed to celebrate God’s precious gift by mimicking Saint Nicholas’ unconditional and never-ending love for the poor, sick and needy. Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Travis L. Middleton Jr.

Fort Valley, GA

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