By Deacon Roger Carr-Jones, Marriage and Family Life Coordinator
Had I been Bishop Nicholas Hudson, I would have be tempted to request that the date of my episcopal installation be on the Feast of St Nicholas, which we celebrate on the 6th December. St Nicholas’ life was not one of bringing luxuries, albeit he gave dowries for poor girls, but in restoring dignity and giving hope. At heart, St Nicholas remains across the centuries a figure of compassion and selfless giving, qualities that lie at the heart of being a bishop in all ages. St Nicholas models for us the type of spirit and behaviours that Advent calls us to practice. Nicholas always points us forward to the ultimate gift, which is Christ himself.
Generosity, in a variety of forms, lies at the heart of the secret actions of St Nicholas and this is something that we can emulate. His actions remind us of the need to continually practice in our homes, parishes and society generosity, patience and joy. Whilst chocolates are enjoyable to find in a shoe left for St Nicholas to fill, these other sweet tasting qualities are what change us and our world. Where might we need to be the bearers of hidden gifts to others this Advent?
I like to arrange for a small gift to be received by my grandchildren on St Nicholas’ Day, one of which is the picture for this reflection. Here we see St Nicholas, in his modern guise hurrying across the snow to bring things. He provides the opportunity to think of the Advent calendar from a different perspective. He brings out from each window what it is that someone might need. It might be food, clothing or an extra special dose of Love from God’s pantry.
Advent seen through the eyes of St Nicholas is not only about waiting for Christ’s birth but about our becoming Christ's arms and hands in the world. Walking forward through Advent to meet the Christ-child involves little acts of love and generosity to others. What we offer to our children is the impetus to notice that every hidden act of love and care to another has been the Holy Spirit illuminating our way to the crib. This is the source of the light that illuminates the world and the one that illuminated the life of St Nicholas.
We might not share the name of Nicholas but we can share in the same generosity of the Spirit.
