Christmas Theology

Santa(what we think we know)

Terminology• Saint Nicholas• Dutch form is Santa Claus

Jesus Comes to Town• The apostle Paul brought Jesus to the area of Myra, Lycia (Demre, Turkey) during his 3rd missionary journey.• The port was so important Paul’s ship stopped in Myra on it’s way to Rome

Jesus Comes to Town• Santa’s parents would be saved 200 years after Paul established the church in Lycia.

Early Life• Ephiphaneas and Nona were saved• Desired to have a child• Prayed and tried for 30 years• Finally gave birth to Nicholas in the 270’s AD

Early Life• Life was hard in the 3rd Century• Destitute people starved.• Christians provided hospice care, widow and orphan care.

Early Life• A plague swept through Lycia in the late 3rd Century• Ephiphaneas and Nona both die.• What will happen to Nicholas?

Early Fame• By 450AD many clergy were assigned the name Nicholas.• 4 early popes are named Nicholas.• Roman Emperor Theodosius II (401-450) constructed a massive church in Myra by the name Church of St. Nicholas.

Early Life• At this time the beloved

bishop of Myra dies.• A Synod is formed to see

who will replace him.• After days of

deliberation there’s no consensus.

Early Life• The most revered bishop in

the synod had a dream.• The next bishop would be

the first person answering to Nicholas.•The boy rose early and went

to the church…

Early Life• The old bishop declared

young Nicholas the new bishop of Myra• Nicholas freaked out and

tried to run.• He was stopped, obeyed

and was led to the throne.

Early Life• The people came to love the

young bishop.• Humility, honesty, energy, care

and dedication to God and the people• He cared about the poor,

destitute and children.

Early Life• His giving tended to be done in

secret, many in the church began to emulate him.• Galerius and Diocletian• Decree issued on February

23rd, 303AD

Early Life• Destruction of all churches• Burning of all Christian books• Dissolution of all congregations• Confiscation of all property• Banned from public office• Executed for violating decree

Early Life•Nicholas, in his 30’s, stayed to

shepherd his people.•Arrested & tortured over 8 yrs

Boy No Longer• A frail, filthy, unshaven man

left prison with his integrity and firm faith in Jesus. • Still a young man, Nicholas

was aged by torture.•Widely becoming famous as a

man who walked with God & helping a destitute family.

Council of Nicea• Constantine calls the Council

of Nicea when Nicholas is in his 50’s • May 20th, 325AD 318 bishops

arrive at Constantine’s palace

Council of Nicea• An account survives where

Constantine points out 3 bishops he believes deserve special honor, “There are three pillars of the world, Anthony in Egypt, Nicholas of Myra, and James in Assyria.”

Council of Nicea

• Is Jesus a Creature or the Creator?

Council of NiceaAthenian monk Damaskinos: The emperor was sitting on his throne, flanked by 159 bishops to his left and 159 to his right. Arius was presenting his views with great vigor and detail. As Saint Nicholas observed the scene, the bishops listened to Arius in complete silence and without interrupting this discourse. Outraged, and prompted by his saintly vigor, he left his seat and walked up to Arius, faced him squarely and slapped his face.

Embrace the Redeemed Santa• Redeem the Cliché • Stare at the right hand of

Santa…remember his life. • Let his tough life with Jesus

encourage your walk.• Let the ordinary red/white

continually restore the extraordinary.

Christmas Theology