Nikolaos lived such a life of kindness towards others that he was later declared a saint. We know him today as “Saint Nicholas.” His life of kindness inspired others to participate in that kindness as well. The tradition of giving gifts to children soon became a Christmas tradition that we still carry on to this day. I believe the reason this has gone on for nearly 1,700 years is because there is something about giving to others that does our souls a lot of good. It helps prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Last December, our Young Adults Community Group and the Emerge Community Group joined together for a service project with an organization in Oklahoma City known as “Santa’s Cause.” We spent the evening packaging toys, clothes, and presents for kids, and then going out to surprise families with a visit from Saint Nicholas. At each house we stopped to read a story to the children about how Santa’s favorite gift at Christmas is not a toy or a bicycle, it’s a baby born in a manger 2,000 years ago.
I know I came away from that evening more prepared than ever to receive the good news that the Messiah is born in Bethlehem. I certainly plan to participate with Santa’s Cause again this year as I seek to prepare my heart for Christmas.
I hope you will find an opportunity to bless someone else’s life this Advent season, especially someone you don’t know who will never be able to repay you. You might be amazed how that leads you down the road towards Bethlehem.
Rev. Josh Attaway, Edmond Campus Pastor
