Nicholas 			December 6
Bishop of Myra
We know almost nothing about Nicholas, other than that he was a fourth century bishop of Myra in Lycia, Asia Minor. However, his reputation as a wonder-worker and a ninth century fictitious biography made him one of the most popular of the saints the world over. He became the patron saint of various groups: sailors, children, apothecaries, perfumiers, pawnbrokers, and unmarried girls. The patronage is in most cases associated with one of the miracles he is said to have performed.
Nicholas is said to have saved three distressed young women from a life of prostitution by gifts of gold for their dowries. The three bags of gold are said to have suggested the three golden balls hung up by pawnbrokers outside their shops. He restored to life three boys murdered in a tub of brine by a butcher, and he rescued sailors off the coast of Asia Minor. The connection with perfumiers stems from perfumes associated with his shrine.
To us, Nicholas is best known as the patron saint of children. There are many stories told about Nicholas’ goodness to children. He fed them when they were hungry, healed them when they were ill, and cared for those treated badly by people. The Dutch custom of giving presents to children on St Nicholas’ Day was taken by the Dutch to America, where the name Santa Claus developed from the Dutch “Sinte Klaas”. The custom of presents from Santa Claus eventually became associated in many places with Christmas rather than St Nicholas’ own feast day. That is how St Nicholas came to be Father Christmas. He is also a patron saint of Russia. 
For Liturgical Use
All we know for sure about Nicholas is that he was bishop of Myra in Asia Minor some time in the fourth century. There are many stories about his love and care for children. He became the patron saint of children and, in a North American development, the giver of Christmas presents as Santa Claus. He is also a patron saint of Russia, seafarers and pawnbrokers. The legends told about Nicholas are delightful, but have no historical value. He is one of the most popular of the saints.
Sentence
Find your delight in the Lord, and the Lord will give you your heart’s desire.	Psalm 37:4
Collects
Loving God,
the giver of all good,
we thank you for Nicholas
and for the generosity he has symbolised
from generation to generation;
may we always be mindful of those in need
and generous with what we have received;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Some saints, all-seeing God, are known only to you;
but who could rival Nicholas, Father Christmas,
saint for children, for Russia,
for sailors all over the world?
We thank you for the good he has done
and the marvellous way you have done it.
Psalms	68:1-10	72:1-4,12-20
Readings
Isaiah 55:1-3		God’s generosity
1 Timothy 6:6-11		Godliness with contentment
Luke 10:21-24		Hidden from the learned and wise.
Post Communion Sentence
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me; and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”		Mark 10:14