With Christmas only a month away, I think we need to start making preparations for this special day. How do we make preparations? We could do all the secular things like making gingerbread houses and hanging up lights, but what about preparing for Christ’s birth? How can we celebrate this beautiful mystery in a new way?
As Catholics, we prepare for Christmas with the Advent season. We do things like cleaning the mangers of our hearts through reconciliation. Additionally, we ponder the Christmas story from Sacred Scripture:
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.” Luke 2: 1-20
Now, going to reconciliation and reading Sacred Scripture are great practices that we should in fact do, but what about saying a novena to Saint Nicholas? I do not mean just verbally praying to him but each day for the novena writing him a letter – letters to Santa Claus, if you will. Think of it. What sin are you most struggling with? Ask for the virtue to fight against it. What do you feel like you most need in your life right now? Whether it is healing or a job or even a soulmate, ask Saint Nicholas! After all, Saint Nicholas’ story is one of giving. He paid for a poor man’s daughters dowries so they could be married and not be sold into slavery. Not surprisingly, he is also the patron saint of children. So find the child in you and ask for what is most pressing on your heart. Jesus talks in Sacred Scripture about being children:
“He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” Matthew 18:2-5
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13,14
Another good practice would be that for every letter you write, do an act of charity. You can always call a friend or write a thank-you note. Whatever you do, think of Saint Nicholas; you are emulating his virtuous life of charity.
The most important thing to remember is to be patient. God will answer prayers in His time. Just remember, His answers are always worth waiting for.
To close, here is a quote from Saint Nicholas to set our minds and hearts on the meaning of Christmas: God Himself.
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” Saint Nicholas
3 thoughts on “‘Tis the Season of Writing Prayers to Saint Nick”
Dear Diana,
I really enjoyed your novel and creative approach to writing letters to Saint Nicholas! With childlike spirit and confidence, one can entrust his or her heart and petitions to this great saint for his intercessory prayer to the Lord. What a wonderful way to prepare one’s soul, along with sacramental confession, contemplation of the Christmas story in Scripture, and charitable acts, as you mention, for the coming of the Christ Child. Engaging in these virtuous practices will undoubtedly help to immerse one into the Christmas spirit and to embrace the true meaning of the season indeed. When reading your article, I thought of the late lifelong Catholic and activist, Ray Gauer, and his idea of the “Kneeling Santa”, which appropriately shows St. Nicholas kneeling before the Christ Child. Thank you for spreading devotion to good ole’ St. Nick, while beautifully directing hearts toward the King of hearts, Christ our Lord, through the talent of your written word.
Interesting.
I wish I knew all this as I was growing up about the real St. Nick.
Honestly, the culture destroys us and I’m thankful to see a young grown adult speak like this.
Thank you
Praised be Jesus Christ
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Beverly. I am glad you found my article interesting. It was a true joy to write about the real St. Nick and offer a way to honor him during the holiday season.