[MOC] The Generosity of Saint Nicholas

With Christmas just around the corner, good old Saint Nick is preparing to visit people all across the world. But of all people, he loves us Belgians (and Dutchmen too) the most. Why? Because here he doesn't just come once on Christmas eve but two times a year. He also already came earlier this year, between the fifth and sixth of December.

 

On that day, we celebrate the anniversary of Saint Nicholas' passing in 343. He had been an early Christian bishop in what we now call Turkey and became a saint both because of the miracles he pulled off and because of his legendary generosity. The legend goes that he once heared talking of a man who had lost all of his money and soon wouldn't be able anymore to support his three daughters, leaving them to the worst of fates... Moved by this situation, that night under the cover of darkness Saint Nicholas silently went to the poor man's house. Through an opening, he threw a bag of gold in the house, which landed in a shoe of one of the three daughters. The next night, a bag of gold appeared in the second daughter's shoe. The next night, also the third daughter's shoe was filled with enough gold to support her for a lifetime and save her from a horrible fate.

 

Every year, here in Belgium and in the Netherlands we commemorate this feat of generosity by placing our shoes on the most inconvenient of places, only to find them filled with gold chocolate coins, mandarins (symbols of wealth and gold) as well as chocolate, marzipan, speculoos and toys in the morning. Saint Nicholas, we call him Sinterklaas, also rides his horse in every town to make children happy, and still does that in his episcopal attire, complete with his robes, staff and miter. In fact, his arrival is more anticipated that that of Santa Claus in this time of year and I'm sure he gets more drawings. Very close to where I live, there's even a city named after him!

 

Anyway, Santa Claus and our Sinterklaas clearly are closely related. However, my feeling is that Santa Claus has been stripped from a lot of meaning as his image has been commercialized more and more. Our Sinterklaas is still clearly the Saint Nicholas who performed such inspiring deeds of charity. He doesn't just set the example to give money to those who need it, but also shows us to keep our eyes and ears open to see and hear people around us in need. The poor man didn't go begging in the street, he tried to keep it behind closed doors. But Saint-Nicholas perceived his distress and had both the modesty and respect to lend a hand in secret. His point is not that he gives you presents, but that he listens to what you really need. That's a person worth celebrating twice!

 

So let's celebrate him, with songs, drawings and even Lego creations. But most of all, by keeping his example in mind in these cold days and throughout the year. That's why I wish you an ear- and eye-opening Christmas and new year!

 

 

Done