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Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name.  

The Lord gives strength to his people.  

The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:2b & 11

Each December a question often arises as we turn our focus on the arrival of God’s promise of salvation in the birth of Jesus our Lord.  It is he who took away our sins at his cross.  It is he who gives us peace with our Father, a peace the world can not give.  And it is he who won for us a place with God in heaven.  

That familiar December question is often raised because there is another figure who often dominates Christmas decor and music and attention.

Should Christians celebrate the tradition of Santa Claus? Well, you might be surprised to find out that Santa Claus is actually a Christian tradition—and December 6 is the day which Christians celebrate the life of this kind and generous man. 

History of St. Nicholas 

Nicholas was born sometime circa A.D. 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, he later served as bishop of Myra, a city that is now called Demre. 

There are many legends about St. Nicholas of Myra. One story tells how he helped three poor sisters. Their father did not have enough money to pay their dowries and thought of selling them into servitude. Three times, St. Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and put a bag of money inside. The man used the money so that one of his daughters could marry. On the third visit, the man saw St. Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. He also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death. 

Several sources state St. Nicholas is believed to have died on December 6, A.D. 343. Over the years, stories of his work for the poor spread to other parts of the world. Luther himself looked to the example of Nicholas many times throughout his ministry, pointing to the life of generosity and compassion that seemed to be lacking in the world in which he lived. 

Customs of St. Nicholas 

In many homes in Europe, it was a common practice for children to put out their shoes the night before. In the morning, they would discover the gifts that St. Nicholas had left there for them. Dutch immigrants brought St. Nicholas, known to them as Sinter Klaas (English, Santa Claus) and his gift-giving ways to America in the 1700s. 

Why do Christians celebrate the commemoration of St. Nicholas?

Without realizing it, St. Nicholas influenced Christianity in a significant way. In the A.D. 300s, a false teaching called “Arianism” arose in the church. This teaching denied the existence of the Trinity and refused to assign divine attributes to the second person of the Trinity. Legend has it that St. Nicholas (Remember! Kind-hearted, generous, and compassionate) became so angry with Arius in a discussion with him, that Nicholas punched him in the face. From that time forward, Nicholas, in his preaching and teaching, made a concerted effort to push back against this (very dangerous!) heresy. It wasn’t until the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 that Arianism was put to rest and the Christian Church rallied around the pure and correct teaching of the Trinity. 

Can Christians celebrate St. Nicholas Day? 

Absolutely. In fact, an argument could be made that by celebrating Santa Claus on December 6, our focus on the true meaning of Christmas can be that much more enjoyable and beneficial. Instead of putting St. Nick where he doesn’t belong (on Christmas Eve), Christians can not only honor the time-tested traditions of the Church, but also praise God for such a kind-hearted and generous man in St. Nicholas.  And Christians can celebrate on Christmas Eve and Day the sole source of our eternal joy, as we with full heart and full voice marvel at the wonders of God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Pastor Horton, with special thanks to Pastor Nate Seelow, now home with his Savior Jesus.