Icon of Gentleness Saint Nicholas

By JM Rosenthal

The real Santa Claus and Father Christmas comes alive in this easy-to-read look at the life of this great man of generosity and faith. This is a perfect introduction to the saint who, if ignored, is to our peril as lovers of Advent and Christmas. Dr. James R

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Rosenthal
• Release date: Dec 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781949570960

Book preview

Cover.jpg

ICON OF GENTLENESS

SAINT NICHOLAS

J M Rosenthal

Revised 2020

Copyright 2020 by J M Rosenthal

Paperback: 978-1-949570-95-3

Ebook: 978-1-949570-96-0

LCCN: 2020925223

St Nicholas belongs to everyone.

Though most know him now as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, his true identity and his legends and miracles reflect the desire of a man who, as a bishop of the church, sought to share his faith with those he came in contact with day by day through many extraordinary acts of kindness.

His message of care and the need to support one’s neighbour echoes from the 4th century when he lived and worked in Asia Minor in what is now known as Turkey. His message of gentleness, strength of belief and his unwavering compassion is needed as much today as it was then. In this spirit we begin our search for St Nicholas, Wonderworker and our Friend in Heaven.

Long live St Nicholas!

Each year we celebrate with joy the coming

Of that great Saint of old, we love so dear.

His legends are the stories we all cherish,

They call to mind that Christmas now is near!

O great St Nicholas, we hail and greet you,

We thank you for the good news that you bring.

O lead us on to Bethlehem, the Manger,

Where we can pray and joyous songs forever sing.

Your love of children, marks your way of caring.

The students three, new life you bring to be.

The sailors, soldiers and the ones in prison,

Your power and prayer, the miracles we see.

Dear saint, your name brings hope and consolation

To people poor and those who suffer wrong.

The celebrations and the joy and splendour

Become the theme and message of our song.

We now receive the gifts you freely give us,

As tokens of your generosity,

That we must imitate and share the goodness

We at this season in each other see.

TEXT: J M Rosenthal, 2010

TUNE: Londonderry Air

The truth of your dealings, our Father and Bishop Nicholas, showed you to your flock as a standard of faith, as the icon of gentleness, and as a teacher of self-discipline.