Christians are Celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas
The Feast of St. Nicholas honors the life of St. Nicholas, a kind 4th-century bishop of Myra (a city in Turkey) known for generously serving the poor. The festival is celebrated on December 6th.
Also called St. Nicholas Day, in parts of northern Europe, it is commemorated with special cookies, candies, and gifts for children. Some also leave letters for St. Nicholas and carrots or grass for his donkey or horse.
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students. Today, we pray for his intercession to increase charity for the poor, sick, and suffering. As you prepare for the coming of the Christ child, honor the generosity of St. Nicholas by blessing others with love, prayer, kindness, and generosity. And we hope this prayer will be a blessing to you and your family:
A Prayer for the Feast of St. Nicholas
Good St Nicholas,
Help us prepare for the miracle of the coming of Jesus.
Be with us as we prepare for Christmas day.
Help us be sincere in the greetings we send and receive, with love and prayer.
Kind St. Nicholas, protect us from illness as we gather this Christmas, help us to be kind and generous of heart to all, especially those who are alone, financially poor and fearful.
May our celebration of your feast lead others to see the true meaning of giving and receiving and to guide all people to the greatest of all gifts, the Prince of Peace and child of Mary, Our Lord and savior.
Amen