Saint Nicolas - Santa Clause

“Saint Nicholas … (15 March 270 – 6 December 343), also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (Demre, part of modern-day Turkey) in Lycia. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonder-worker ... He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus…

“In 325, he was one of many bishops to answer the request of Constantine and appear at the First Council of Nicaea. There, Nicolas was a staunch anti-Arian and defender of the Orthodox Christian position, and one of the bishops who signed the Nicene Creed…” (wiki)

Saint Nicholas reportedly participated in various miracles and supernatural activities, including healing miracles, casting out devils, supernatural multiplication of food, and raising at least 3 from the dead. He was also known for radical generosity, such as giving gold to three teenage girls to save them from becoming prostitutes. In one version of the story, he threw the gold into their chimney, which may be the origin of the stories about Santa Claus... After his death, his grave/bones/relics became a site of pilgrimage, and the reports of miracles haven’t stopped yet…

There you have it. Santa Claus is real! His name was Saint Nicholas—and he’s another colorful character in our wonderful History!
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We cannot lose

Some Inspiration from one of today's great Church Planters and healers in Africa, Rolland Baker

Blessings are falling around you, Grab hold of some using your faith - Bob Lipsys

We cannot lose. We will not be ashamed. We will see the salvation of the Lord spread through the most unstable, violent and out-of-control areas of Africa. Jesus knows how to glorify Himself and look out for His own reputation. We are unspeakably graced to participate in His work. And then we awake to new mercies and fresh motivation, never stepping away from Him and the life that flows from the vine into the branches. In newsletter after newsletter we have issued an invitation to join us in missions. We do that not out of desperation, but in faith and love. It is to your advantage to obey the Gospel, freely and with great joy, bearing tremendous fruit. May you hear His voice clearly and respond with His energy. ...... Much love in Jesus,

Rolland Baker
see http://www.irismin.org