A Real Man Behind the Red Suit

Saint Nicholas was a real Christian leader.
Born around 270 AD in Patara (Turkey).
Became Bishop of Myra (modern Demre).
Lived in a world shaped by famine, corruption, and persecution.
Died December 6, 343 AD.

What does his life teach us about following Jesus?

A very early story tells of a time when three innocent men were condemned to death in Myra. Corruption was normal, and powerful people could make decisions that destroyed lives with no accountability. Their families were helpless. Their friends were terrified. And the injustice of it all reached Nicholas.
When he heard what was happening, he didn’t form a committee. He didn’t write a letter. He didn’t wait for someone else to act.
He ran.
He ran through the streets, down to the place of execution, and arrived just as the executioner was lifting his sword. Nicholas grabbed his arm and stopped the blade. People were shocked. The official who had taken the bribe tried to defend himself, but Nicholas confronted him in front of everyone.
Imagine the bishop — this gentle, prayerful man — standing between the sword and the innocent, risking his own safety because he knew this wasn’t just a legal matter. It was a matter of the heart. A matter of justice.
And in that moment, the men were set free.
Nicholas didn’t separate faith from justice.
For him, following Jesus meant speaking up for those who had no voice.
And the early church remembered him as the one who refused to stay silent when the powerful did wrong.

There was a time when Myra was in the middle of a devastating famine. People were starving. The markets were empty. Parents were skipping meals so their children could eat. The situation was desperate.
One day, several large grain ships, bound for Constantinople, anchored in the harbour. Their cargo was already measured for the emperor — every bag accounted for. The sailors were terrified of losing even a handful. If something didn't add up at the port, they would be punished.
Nicholas went down to the docks and spoke with the sailors. He asked them to share some of their grain so the city could survive. They refused at first. It wasn’t that they were heartless — they were afraid. They had families too.
But Nicholas reassured them: “Trust that God will not let you suffer for doing what is right.”
Against all logic, the sailors agreed. They let grain be taken and distributed throughout Myra. And the whole city survived — not just for a week or a season, but for two full years, with enough left over for planting.
And the miracle?
When the ships finally arrived in Constantinople, every sack weighed exactly the same as when it left.
Nicholas showed his people that leadership isn’t about position.
It’s about compassion.
It’s about using whatever influence you have to ease someone else’s burden.

There’s a story from the early church about a poor man in Nicholas’ town.
He had three daughters he loved deeply, but he had no way of providing a dowry for them. And in that culture, without a dowry, a young woman had almost no future. They were at risk of being sold into slavery or being taken advantage of by men who saw poverty as an opportunity.
Nicholas heard about this family. No one asked him for help. He simply saw the need, and his heart broke for them.
So late one night, he took a small bag of gold, crept up to their window, and tossed it inside. No announcement. No signature. No moment of public praise. Just quiet, costly generosity.
He did the same thing a second time for the second daughter.
And a third time for the third daughter.
On that final night, the father hid by the window, desperate to know who was helping him. When he caught Nicholas, the bishop pleaded with him not to tell anyone. Nicholas wasn’t interested in reputation or applause. He simply wanted to love the way Jesus had taught him to love.
That’s why the early church remembered him.
Not because he was impressive — but because he lived out the quiet, hidden generosity of the gospel.

HOW NICHOLAS BECAME “SANTA CLAUS”

From Bishop to Legend
After his death, December 6 became a day to give to the poor.
His reputation grew across the Christian world.

Dutch “Sinterklaas” in America
Dutch Christians brought “Sinterklaas” traditions to New Amsterdam (New York).
Over time, Sinterklaas became Santa Claus.

Thomas Nast Creates the Modern Santa (1860s–1880s)
American cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly.
Drew Santa as jolly, round, bearded, red-suited.
Added the North Pole, elves, and the naughty-or-nice list.
This is the Santa we recognise today.

Coca-Cola Finishes the Transformation (1931 onwards)
Artist Haddon Sundblom paints Santa for Christmas advertising.
Warm, grandfatherly, bright red suit.
Global advertising spreads this version everywhere.

WHAT CULTURE KEPT… AND WHAT WE LOST

1. We kept the joy… but lost the justice.
Nicholas confronted corruption.
Santa never challenges us.

2. We kept the giving… but lost the generosity.
Nicholas gave quietly and sacrificially.
Santa is tied to consumerism and reward.

3. We kept the magic… but lost the meaning.
Nicholas loved because he followed Jesus.
Santa is disconnected from the gospel story.

THE CHRISTMAS QUESTION
Which Nicholas will shape our Christmas?
The cultural symbol that asks nothing?
Or the genuine follower of Jesus who shows us:
Quiet generosity
Courageous justice
Compassionate leadership

Small Group Questions

What part of Nicholas’ story stood out to you most — his quiet generosity, his courage in confronting injustice, or his compassion during the famine? Why?

Nicholas gave secretly to the three daughters. Why do you think Jesus insists on hidden generosity? How easy or hard is that for you?

Nicholas stepped between the sword and innocent men. Where do you see injustice in our world today, and what would “stepping in” look like for an ordinary person?

The grain ship story shows leadership that blesses an entire city. How can we “seek the peace of the city” (Jer. 29:7) right where we are?

Isaiah calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. Where do you need His peace most in your life right now? Where might Jesus be inviting you to bring peace?

Our culture kept the fun parts of Santa but lost the sacrificial heart of Nicholas. What parts of Christmas help you focus on Jesus? What parts distract you?

Which expression of Nicholas’ faith is Jesus inviting you to practice this week?
Quiet generosity
Courageous justice
Compassionate leadership