Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Illustration of the real Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor (d. 340). He is pictured here in priestly vestments with the book of the Gospels in his right hand and a crosier in his left. The book of scriptures is opened to the passage "It is more blessed to give than to receive," a reference to the saint's many acts of charity. A border of holly and a red panel is seen at the top and bottom of the card.
Saint Nicholas, (d.340) Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, helped many poverty-stricken people, including three sisters whose father could not afford dowries. Determined to keep his charity anonymous, twice Nicholas threw a bag of gold into their window at night. The third time the sisters’ father saw Nicholas toss gold down the chimney, where it landed in a stocking hung to dry. Although Nicholas begged the man not to reveal his deed, it was disclosed and he became known for his generosity. December 6th, the saint’s feast day, is a day of gift giving in most of Europe. The givers preserve their anonymity, attributing the generosity directly to the saint himself, who left gifts for the needy on the eve of his feast day. Patron saint of poor children, travelers and sailors, Saint Nicholas is known as the friend and protector of all who are in trouble.