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Second Sunday of Advent

Repent and prepare the way of the Lord said Saint John the Baptist.

The coming of the Messiah (Christ) was anticipated for centuries. Prophets had foretold when he would come and where he would be born. In the writings of the major prophet Isaiah we note how the Messiah’s descendants would come from the lineage of Jesse who was the father of King David. Jesus was born after many generations from this family line. Hence the Jesse Tree or family tree of Jesus. In memory of his ancestry we have a tree at Christmas time. It also helps to hide presents and hang things on! By the way, David’s family came from Bethlehem, so Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. It was no small affair to travel there from Nazareth in the North, the 163 kms being nine months pregnant during Winter time.

HEARTY HUMOUR

A little girl was at her first wedding and asked her mother after the event: “Why did the lady change her mind?” Her mother said: “What do you mean?” “Well, she came Day – down the aisle with one man and left with another.”
A small shop, much to the surprise of the locals, suddenly decorated his front window with a lovely new blind. His neighbour asked: “How much did you pay for the nice new blind?” The owner replied: “The customers paid for it.” “What do you mean?” he asked. “Well, I put out the front a box marked ‘For the blind’ and the money just came in.”

Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who provided for the poor and sick and is the basis for the popular character of Santa Claus.

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world.

Early Life

Saint Nicholas was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, he later served as bishop of Myra, a city that is now called Demre.

Reputation

There are many legends about Saint Nicholas of Myra. One story tells how he helped three poor sisters. Their father did not have enough money to pay their dowries and thought of selling them into servitude. Three times, Saint Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and put a bag of money inside. The man used the money so that one of his daughters could marry. On the third visit, the man saw Saint Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. He also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death.