1. St. Nicholas: The Real Santa Claus December 26, 2009 – Kiahk17, 1727 AM

2. Memory Verse “Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matt. 6:3)

3. Introduction What do you know about Santa Claus? Who believes that Santa is real ? What is the best thing about Santa?

4. Did you Know? Santa Claus is a REAL SAINT in our church His name is Saint Nicholas

5. St. Claus = Baba Noel = St. Nicholas From Mora (Myra) He was born to parents who raised him to Obey God! They were very rich!

6. St.Nicholas was Holy He was always in church He watched the older deacons and servants and learned from them. God blessed him with lots of knowledge from the Holy Spirit. He served and loved our Lord Jesus Christ

7. St. Nicholas was a Monk When his parents died, he gave all his wealth to the poor Became amonk in a monastery where his cousin was the abbot. Priest at age 19 God gave him the gift of performing signs and healing the sick. He was known for his charity and giving to the poor. Became archbishop of Myra!

8. The Rich Man Losing Everything There was a very rich man in the city of Mora who lost all his wealth. He had 3 daughters who passed the age of marriage However the father could not marry them off because he was poor.

9. God Revealed to St. Nicholas Satan put this evil thought in the poor man’s head: By letting hisdaughters live in sin and do evil jobs. Our Lord revealed to St. Nicholas the thoughts that were in this man’s head, and he was grieved.

10. Night # 1 St. Nicholas took 100 dinars During the night he threw the money into the window of the man’s housemaking sure no one was watching him!!!! When you give in secret, your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly (Matthew 6:4) When the man found the money, he was astonished and rejoiced and was able to give his oldest daughter away in marriage. 100

11. Night #2 Another night, the saint threw another 100 dinars into the man’s house The man was able to give his 2nd daughter away in marriage. He wondered who this charitable person was? He kept watch to catch him next time. 100

12. Night #3 St. Nicholas threw last 100 dinars into the house, but the man was watching After he felt the drop of the sack, he ran out of the house to see who it was .. . 100

13. Give Thanks to GOD The man found the kind bishop St. Nicholas The man bowed down at his feet and thanked him because he saved his daughters from poverty and a life of sin. St. Nicholas refused to accept any thanks and asked him to thank God who loved him and his daughters.

14. Conclusion St. Nicholas was known for his generous giving, that is why all the children ask this Saint to pray for them To bring them presents and blessing during the month of Kiahk (Christmas time)

15. Application It is better to give than to receive Let us give some of what we have to the poor Share what we have with others

16. Now, who is the REAL SANTA CLAUS?

17. COLORING “God loves a cheerful giver” (1 Corinthian 9:7)