What a wonderful night - a taste of Christmas early in Advent! The church was bright with happy children and a spirit of sharing in Christian community. During the sermon, I talked with the kids about the differences between Santa Claus and the Christian saint, Nicholas of Myra. So when Saint Nicholas (instead of Santa Claus!) bounded in at the end of the service, with crozier and mitre, they were thrilled! Many thanks to Jimmy Tolfree for playing Saint Nicholas this year.
"O good holy Nicholas, you who brought joy to children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood about which the Gospel speaks. Teach me how to spread happiness around me. Amen."
Fr. Chris +
