Twelve Days of Wonder

Day 10 - Past / Present

When we were kids, wasn’t it magical to imagine Santa slipping into the house at night, leaving gifts and treats? And now, as adults, we do our best to step into that role ourselves — sneaking presents under the tree and leaving something special for those we love.

But have you ever stopped to wonder where this whole idea of Santa Claus began? The story actually goes back to a real person — a bishop named Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in what is now Turkey during the Roman Empire, around 270 to 343 AD. (1)

Nicholas became famous for his generosity, especially the way he gave in secret. One of the most beloved stories tells how he slipped bags of gold into the home of a poor family at night so their daughters could marry with dignity. He didn’t want recognition; he simply wanted to bring hope.

That kind of hidden kindness echoes something even greater — the way God’s gift of Jesus entered the world to be our Savior and show us how to live.

Both Nicholas’s secret generosity and the birth of Christ remind us that true Christmas spirit often arrives in humility, in places where few are looking, and in gifts that ask for nothing in return.

As we celebrate this season, let’s embrace a spirit of quiet kindness—spreading hope where it’s truly needed and allowing generosity to flourish even in the most overlooked places. Hidden corners of life are full of chances to make a difference, if only we pay attention. Sometimes, just sharing a smile with someone who feels unseen can have a profound impact. The example before us welcomes all—it includes outcasts, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals of every race, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation. In doing so we embrace the true Christmas spirit and help to make it a Merry Christmas for all.

(1) Saint Nicholas - Wikipedia