Question:  Dear Greg,

            What is the history behind St. Nicholas?

            Steven

Answer:  Dear Steven,

            St. Nicholas lived in the 4^th century, serving as a minister of a church located in what is present day Turkey .  He was admired for his giving spirit and generosity.  After his death other churches started to leave gifts, in his name, to children of the poor.  At the time, the practice was in early December.  Later the custom started to be linked with December 25^th.  There are many myths that were attached to this person, and soon the person was lost in favor of a myth, Santa Claus.

             In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht