When most people think about Christmas they also think about Santa Claus, the jolly red-suited man who magically brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. 

But where did he come from? Has he always been associated with Christmas? And is it true that he is based on a man named Saint Nicholas?

In regards to Nicholas, I should say that it is notoriously hard to find information about him which is historically accurate. There are legends and stories, but it’s hard to distinguish the man from the myth.

I put a blog and podcast together which compiles some of these stories. I also trace the history of Santa Claus. If you’re interested in learning more, you can link to it below.

For today, let me simply say two things. 

First, when it comes to how we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep Santa where he belongs: on the sidelines. After all, we’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday not his. 

Second, the presence of Santa can be an opportunity to start a discussion about someone else: a faithful man named Nicholas who became known for his generosity and charity, especially to the poor. He seemed to take 1 Timothy 6:18 to heart: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

This is something we are wise to remember. Since God in Christ has been generous toward us, we are compelled to be generous toward others, including those who struggle to make ends meet. Generosity toward those in need has always been a part of how Christians celebrate the birth of their Saviour.

If you’re in a position to do so, perhaps you can help someone in need. Perhaps you can contribute to drives and outreaches at your church. Perhaps you can anonymously bless someone.

If we were to ask Nicholas what we should do to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’m pretty sure he would look at our to-do lists and ensure something very specific was at the top:

Be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share.

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Notes:

–New podcast and blog: “Where did Santa come from? Or, the mysterious origins of Saint Nicholas.” Click here, or tune into ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–We are a people of hope! “It’s (b)right around the corner.” Sermon. December 10, 2023. Click here.

—Bible quotes are from the NIV.