O n December 6, Christians remember Saint Nicholas of Myra, an early Church bishop known for his generosity and his love for children. He was born in Lycia in Asia Minor, likely in the late third or early fourth century, and is remembered today as much more than the inspiration for Santa Claus.

As a young man, Saint Nicholas is believed to have traveled to Palestine and Egypt to learn from the Desert Fathers. After returning home, he was soon chosen to become the Bishop of Myra, which is now Demre in modern-day Turkey. During the persecution led by Emperor Diocletian, he was imprisoned for his faith. He was freed only after Constantine the Great legalized Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire.

One of the most famous stories about Saint Nicholas tells of a p

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