Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
We here at Faith Friday push the limits, tackle topics controversial to the world…
Today, that topic is Santa Claus.
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
This is part of the famed editorial response to 8-year old Virginia O'Hanlon, a young girl from New York City who penned a letter in September 1897 to the New York Sun. Virginia wrote, “Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.’”
This time of year, many young children are joyfully wondering, and yet hesitatingly asking the same thing: Is Santa Claus real?
(Also at this time of year, there are parents and relatives that want to answer this question correctly for fear of ruining their kids' faith forever.)
Rest assured, we can confidently answer that yes, Santa Claus is real. The name Santa Claus was derived from Sinterklaas, which is the Dutch nickname for St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was born in what is now Turkey in the third century. He became bishop of Myra and is remembered as a good, faithful bishop, who helped the poor and needy and had a special love for mariners and children. He was a firm defender of Christianity in the face of strong opposition in his time.
There are also many legends about St. Nicholas. Some may be true, while others are not. We can't know for sure whether each of those stories passed down is true, but I do believe that giving in the spirit of St. Nicholas is good and true. Little gifts are left in the shoes of children on the feast day of St. Nicholas (December 6), which is a tradition based on St. Nicholas' generosity to three daughters of a poor, sick man. St. Nicholas gave in the spirit of anonymity and generosity.
I can't imagine a better way to give.
Giving in the spirit of Santa Claus allows for us to experience giving without receiving anything in return.
Therefore, giving in the spirit of St. Nicholas on Christmas is another opportunity to give and expect nothing in return. We know that St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) loved Jesus, so it makes sense that St. Nick would want to bring birthday presents to all the good boys and girls on Christmas Eve to help us all celebrate Jesus' birthday. Also, Jesus is very generous, and he likes other people to get presents on his birthday.
Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon was seeking the truth. And she was bold enough and curious enough to ask. Her letter and the famed response have become their own classic Christmas story. As we approach Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent and all its JOY, may we rejoice in the truth of Christ’s coming. And like St. Nicholas, may we all give and expect nothing in return.
