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CHRISTMAS IN MY SOUL St. Nicolas was born A.D. 280 in Palia, Lycia, where apostle Paul converted many to Christianity. His parents were wealthy, devout Christians, as was he. His parents died in a plague epidemic. Later Nicholas was Ordained Bishop of Myra. He was later imprisoned, tortured, and his books were burned. He finally died on Dec. 6th, which was called St. Nicolas Day. He was known as a courageous man saved people’s lives when he brought 3 seamen back to life after a fall from a mast. This is just part of the story. In the Catholic world, he was ranked 3rd only to Christ and the Virgin Mary as a venerated Saint. In Europe, St. Nicolas day remains the happiest day for children. He had a horse or a donkey so they left their shoes, carrots, or hay for them, and if they were good, they were left sweets and toys. If they weren’t, though, they were left fader and switches. Dutch settlers in New York did stories and plays about St. Nicolas. This is where he went from a thin, lanky man to a jolly, fat man who flies a gift-laden wagon over the treetops pulled by a reindeer. This is an interesting story you would enjoy very much. There are several other stories in this book, and they’re all so good I couldn’t select one special one, but I promise you, you will know Christmas is a time when miracles can happen. Just become as a little child with a heart full of Love, Trust, and the knowledge of Christ like St. Nicolas did and as the boy in “Christmas in Tin Can Valley” did. I recommend you read this book to your children so they might understand the true meaning of Christmas. They are wonderful stories. |