The stockings were hung but why? Have you ever heard how this began?
Legend has it that a poor widower and his three children left their washed stockings out one night on the fireplace for them to dry. Nicholas, a kind man with a big heart focused on giving to others, passed by the house after they had gone to bed, and threw sacks of gold down the chimney, landing them in the stockings.
Nicholas was later deemed a saint, and this tradition has continued through many centuries and across many countries. But there’s a deeper meaning we can take away from Nicholas’ actions and a fun tradition that resulted.
In this culture of materialism and getting, we have a plethora of opportunities, especially around Christmas, to give to others. The need can sometimes even seem overwhelming in the midst of the season’s busyness. Perhaps, pick out one main service opportunity to focus on this Christmas, to help the kindness of St. Nicholas continue on. A family without the money to buy gifts, a single mom who could use some babysitting help over the school holidays, or even just some Christmas cookies dropped off at local fire and police stations. The list is endless, but it all matters.
As seen from the example Saint Nicholas, there is no small act when it comes from a big heart. For it is truly in giving that we also do receive.
I want to be a giver–of time, talent, and resources. This is my prayer for this Christmas and for all 2014, that I would give in abundance, more than ever before.
What is God leading you to give?
