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Replies to '12/13 Holiday Horror Stories'
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December 13, 2006, 9:25 pm PST
 Quote From: angelofnight Hey there, I'm all brand new here at this board, and I'll admit I have to skim almost all posts because of an eyesight issue. So if I missed something reguarding this, I apologize. But I was once a very religious young woman ... and I still was young enough to get thrilled about the recieving of gists every 25th of December. I still do love it. I think all of us who celebrate that way do enjoy it. Especially the giving part. I'm finally at that age where it's almost more important than the getting. Still ... as someone who is now conflicted about her beliefs, I'd just like to point out to anyone who is unaware, Christmas didn't start out anywhere near the birth of Christ. Nor did it have anything whatsoever to do with it. We all know about "Jolly Old St. Nicholas". And Christmas is on December 25th because that happens to be the true St. Nicholas' birthday. I won't tell people who celebrate the birth of Christ and think that's all this holiday is about that they are wrong. I find nothing wrong or negative about people chosing such a time to celebrate such an event. I still see it as the same thing, too. Just please, I ask everyone, be aware that it started in honor of the great deeds of the generous Nicholas many, many years ago. Bishop Nicholas, even. That's all I have to say really. I do my own giving and recieving at Christmas, and for me I simply love getting together and enjoying the company of those I adore and love. So ... happy Holidays everyone. I hope you have all had a great year, even if you chose not to celebrate the holiday. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, not December 25th. December 6th is the date of his death. The date of his birth is unknown. December 25th was never celebrated as a feast day for St. Nicholas. December 6th, however, is still celebrated as his feast day. Many families celebrate St. Nicholas Day in their homes separately from their Christmas celebration.
Quoting from the website stnicholascenter.org, the Bishop of Myra (St. Nicholas) "lived his whole life centered on Jesus Christ, worked for justice and cared for those in need." In the year 325 A.D., further quoting , "Bishop Nicholas, defender of the faith, forcefully argued for the doctrine of the Holy Trinity at the Counci of Nicaea. The council's statement forms part of the Nicene Creed, still said in churchs today."
If you truly examine and celebrate the life of St. Nicholas, you will not be conflicted about your beliefs, but will be lead to a deep faith in Christ.
To follow the example of St. Nicholas is to have faith in Christ and give to the poor. To follow the example of Christ is to give to one another and love one another.
The "first gift of Christmas" is to believe!
There is a figurine of Santa kneeling before the baby Jesus laying on the hay, with his head bowed and his cap in hand. This is the best way for us to view Santa/St. Nicholas.
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