Happy Feast of St. Nicholas. The legends of Santa Claus, which so inform our modern celebrations of Christmas, are actually derived from a real historical character. Nicholas was a 4th century Bishop of a place called Myra in present day Turkey. He lived from 5 March 270 – 6 December 343, and was well-known for his deeds of kindness and generosity. Nicholas is especially remembered for his deeds of secret gift-giving. One well-known story about Nicholas tells the story of a poor family with three daughters. Lacking resources to provide for the family, slavery appeared to be one of their only options. Nicholas went one night and put a bag of money down the chimney, and helped rescue the girls from the fate of slavery.

Our gospel for today reflects on the great importance of children in the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls us to welcome and make space for the children and to allow them to hear his great blessing and feels his arms of mercy and compassion.