So, we set the record straight about Santa Claus long ago. St. Nicholas was a 4th century bishop who carried about his spiritual flock so much that he worked miracles through the grace given to him by God. There are many examples of these miracles told throughout the ages. We read two books that give some of these stories...The Legend of St. Nicholas and A Place for Santa. The boys especially love the story about the boys St. Nicholas saved that were discovered in the pickling barrels. Sometimes this story becomes a gruesome legend and I have to remind the boys about how stories can be exaggerated over a long period of time. I always think it is funny that a great story has to be stretched to get attention...the original story was a miracle without the need of imaginative flourishes.
OK...off my soapbox so I can dive into our St. Nicholas feast day fun!
Last night, Michael and I stayed up late after the children were all in bed. Each year we write the children a note from St. Nicholas. No letters to Santa around here! In the notes, we try to encourage the children in what they are doing that is "nice" and to avoid the things that are "naughty." Yesterday, I even sang the song "St. Nicholas is Coming to Town" with the lyrics changed to emphasize that the list that he is making and checking twice is not about the gifts that he will bring but the things we need to improve upon in our lives. It is just not good enough to know if you are naughty or nice, but to find a way to be the best for the coming Messiah. The notes always end with "Remember to make your self ready for the Lord."The idea of the notes is to get the children thinking about how they are going to be better in the next year. Yep...This leads right into the idea of new year's resolutions! The children are guided to pray about the changes that need to be made throughout the remainder of the Advent season. This idea will come up again later in the season.
Along with the notes, the children are asked to set out their shoes or stockings the night before to see what else St. Nicholas might bring them. This changes from year to year...some times we give fruit or candy....St. Nicholas coins....or a little gift. However, the main focus is always on the personal message in the notes.
Well, last night the children put out their cowboy boots. Most of them were battered and worn out...and also too small (for those who still have growing feet!). SO...I replaced them with new boots! It think we have started a new tradition...I wonder now why I had never thought of this before! We also had our message from Sariel, which was focused on the continued story from Luke. This time we learn how Mary and Elizabeth meet. When I think of this part of the story, I always think about Mary's virtuous life. She had just found out the plans God had for her. However, she was also told about her cousin Elizabeth, and Mary immediately left to help her in her time of need. AND...what was Elizabeth's response when Mary arrived?
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1: 42-45)
The presence of the Messiah was already evident. We often talk about the glow a woman has during pregnancy...Mary must have been brilliant! Edward added his version of a LEGO Elizabeth to our mantel. The boys acted out the full story with their LEGO figures. So much fun!
Then the oldest two boys were off to a St. Nicholas party. They had such a great time...roasting hot dogs and making s'mores. They also played some fun games. One game was to hunt for letters around the property and unscramble the letters into words. They were divided into two teams. Once the letter was unscrambled, it spelled out "Star of David." The teams were then to hunt for the star hidden around the area.
While they were at their party, the rest of us went to our favorite spot...our local library. There was a class on the essential oils in the Bible. It was very interesting (although the children decided to play in the puzzle room instead) and I am hoping to find out more about the use of oils soon. The oils we discussed were:
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Onycha
- Myrtle
- Rose of Sharon
- Spikenard
- Hyssop
- Galbanum
- Sandlewood
- Cassia
- Cypresswood
- Cedarwood
We added our St. Nicholas to our nativity scene along with an empty manger. We will add straw to the manger each time we do a good deed throughout the remaining days of Advent. This will make a soft bed for baby Jesus. Our Jesse Tree was given a new ornament...a lamb...to represent the Exodus. God saved the Israelites from the Pharaoh by having them sacrifice a lamb. The first Passover must have been very stressful and fearful, but they trusted in God and followed the way. We are also given a sacrificial lamb to save us.
What a full day! I look forward to a good night rest!
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