You all know the story of Saint Nicholas, right? If you want a really good laugh, check David Sadaris’ "Carnegie Hall, Live" Cd out of the library and listen to him tell the story of Saint Nicholas, the Dutch version. It was one of those "should I be driving and listening to something this absurdly funny at the same time?’ moments.
(If you do this, kindly forget that I recommended Sadaris – it reveals my bizarre and often irreverent sense of humor. You may, or may not appreciate it. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect the position of the management…etc. etc.)
Anyway – Saint Nicholas. Former Bishop of Turkey, rich guy, purported to arrive at the homes of poor children bearing gifts in honor of Jesus’ birth. Big white horse. Fancy clothes (not red, one discovers, but bishop-like and sort of cool in a liturgical way. Like the first time our eldest attended a Catholic wedding in high church beauty. She took one look at the priest’s vestments and said "We’ve got to get Virgil some of those clothes." The image of Virgil, the middle aged, Mr. Rogers-like pastor of our Mennonite congregation in Chicago, wearing vestments was out of the box. Out of the state. Out of reality. I still smile – and imagine St. Nicholas might have dressed like that priest my daughter found so wonderful.
Anyway again – St. Nicholas brought gifts to the poor. I invite you to join him.
Just received a note from Full Circle Ministries (1103 Jenifer Street,. Madison….251 0555) giving their Wish List for Christmas.
This ministry to homeless people needs "stocking stuffers" in the style of St. Nick. Would you consider adding to your shopping list any of these items:
warm socks
hats
gloves or mittens
razors
toothbrush/toothpaste
bus tickets
phone cards
deodorant
small packs of tissues
flue and cold medications
foot powder
carryable, nonperishable food that’s nutritious and "packable"
power bars, for example
nail clippers
shampoo
soap
Other items: sleepings bags, blankets, boots, sweatshirts, coats, jeans, long underwear
My dear, much-loved friend-and-sister Nina actually assembles zip lock bags with small sized containers of shampoo, soap, deodorant, tooth brush and paste and hand lotion. When she meets someone who appears to be in need of such basic supplies, she whips out one of her bags and does a bit of St. Nicholas-style giving.
Can you help out with the simple items? In the words of a good friend of St. Nick’s – it’s a way to do "small things with great love."
Bless you as you prepare to celebrate our Jesus’ birth.
Love, Julia