Travis Reese

Friends,

Today we celebrate the life of Saint Nicholas of Myra. 

We can start by stating the obvious. Saint Nicholas of Myra is one of the original inspirations of our modern-day Santa Clause.

Saint Nicholas of Myra was known for his generous giving, often anonymous, as well as the protection of children. Eventually the story of Saint Nicholas combined with other folk tales from Nordic traditions to give us what we now think of Santa Clause, a joyful gift giver to all good children throughout the world.

An important part of Santa Claus is the iconography surrounding him. It is hardly a holiday season without the rosy cheeks, the white beard, the red suit. For this we have post-war America spreading economic diplomacy throughout the world to thank. Coca-cola, with their decades long advertising featuring what we now think of as Santa Clause, is a key contributor to the iconography. 

The iconography of Saint Nicholas of Myra is also unique. You see, Saint Nicholas was from Asia Minor, a part of modern-day Turkey. And often but not always, Saint Nicholas is portrayed with a darker skin tone. 

We have no known writings from Saint Nicholas of Myra, and we have trouble verifying so many stories attributed to him. Much like Santa Clause, what we do have is the lasting iconography of St. Nicholas. The popular depictions of St. Nicholas of Myra show him rescuing children and helping the poor. Timeless examples of Christian beliefs.

Centuries after his death, when artists across Europe created works celebrating his life and miracles, they recognized St. Nicholas for who he was: a pious believer from a foreign land who selflessly believed in helping others. 

In Christ,

—Travis