ST. NICHOLAS BISHOP OF MYRA The real Santa Claus

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra Parents were rich, loved God, but had no children God gave them a son – named him Nicholas Saint was filled with Holy Spirit Became a monk Ordained a priest at 19 years old Performed many miracles

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra A rich man in the city lost all his money He had 3 daughters Daughters could not marry because they were poor God told to St. Nicholas about this family At night, St. Nicholas dropped 100 gold coins through window

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra Man rejoiced when found the gold, 1st daughter could get married! Saint did the same for the 2nd daughter Man wanted to find out, so stayed up & watched Found the kind Bishop with 3rd bag of gold Bishop asked the family to thank God who saved them

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra Emperor Diocletian ordered everyone to worship idols St. Nicholas was put in prison for many years The Lord strengthened him, protected him, and healed all his wounds When Diocletian died, St. Nicholas was set free He departed at age of 80

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra WHY SHOULD I GIVE? What I have is from God, NOT my own To share God’s blessings with others To help those in need To obey God’s commandment: to love one another The more I give, the more I receive from God

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra WHAT DO I GIVE? Money Time Love Effort What I have

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra HOW DO I GIVE? I give with all I have I give with all my heart I give with all my love WHY? Because God gave all for me

St. NICHOLAS Bishop of Myra This week … Remember those in need; share God’s blessings Give with all your hearts!  

Our SALVATION - 4 Stages (How God saves us) INCARNATION God became Man CRUCIFIXION Christ died for us RESURRECTION Christ rose from the dead ASCENSION Christ ascended to heaven

SALVATION Christ’s 1st COMING INCARNATION CRUCIFIXION RESURRECTION ASCENSION TO SAVE

JUDGE & REWARD Christ’s 2nd COMING

And we wait for Christ’s SECOND COMING In the Liturgy … COMMUNION – taking Body & Blood of our Lord, we re-live Christ’s FIRST COMING We remember His: INCARNATION CRUCIFIXION RESURRECTION ASCENSION And we wait for Christ’s SECOND COMING