Tomorrow, December 6, is the feast day of St. Nicholas of Myra - one of my all time favorite observances.  Here is a prayer (Lesser Feasts and Fasts),  a picture and a poem. 

Grant, Almighty God, that your church may be so inspired by the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, that it may never cease to work for the welfare of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through  Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Street Corner Icon

Street corner Santa,

with your padded red and polyester finery,

ill-fitting boots and occasional beard,

look who stands behind you.

Street corner Santa, do you know who you are?

Santa Claus, St. Nicholas in other times and places,

Bishop of Myra, champion of children,

protector of sailors and all those afloat

where benevolence is rare and sanctuary needful.

Street corner Santa, do you know who you are?

Consider a bishop’s garb and gear, then look

at your crimson and white and candy canes.

Beneath them are saints’ robes and shepherd’s crook

and where you walk or beg, so does he.

Street corner Santa, do you know who you are?

And behind you both, stands yet another.

The shepherd himself, his icon you are.

So, beckon the little ones to come unto you,

ring strong your bell and plead for us to care.

Then, help us, dear Santa, to see who you are.

© JTCO 1990