St. Nicholas of Myra became a saint because of the miracles he performed. He continues to perform miracles today in the form of the goodwill that seems to permeate the world at
Christmas. People who might not get along at any other time of year, or people who might walk by a homeless person without a thought at Christmas time take the time to say a kind word, or give some money with a message of encouragement. That is truly the miracle of Christmas.
There are many other celebrations of St. Nicholas and Christmas throughout the world. In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas happens in the summer! In South America, the presepio, or nativity plays a very important part in the celebrations. The presepio is part of a series of novenas, public gatherings of worship in the form of prayer, hymns, and religious poetry usually in a nine-day period or morning church services, or re-enactment plays and pageants of the nativity scenes recalling the journey of the Holy Family to Bethlehem under the guidance of a star and
angels.
In South Africa, the most important part of their Christmas worship service is the love offering, this is the gift in honor of Jesus. Then at about 8 or 9 o'clock everyone makes their way to the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. Everyone who attends the service goes forward to lay down their gift upon the raised platform near the Communion table. Not one person will attend the service without giving a gift.
No matter where in the world St. Nicholas travels, it is important to remember through all of the presents, music, and food that make the holiday season so festive, that he wants us all to look out for the other person, show some kindness, and as he told the man whose daughters received the bags of gold for their dowries—if you want to make me happy, do good deeds for others expecting nothing in return, and you will be rewarded tenfold. Merry Christmas!
