History teaches that Santa Claus was a real man. It teaches us that he was a Christian man. In fact, he was an early church elder who lived in Asia Minor. His name was Saint Nicholas. He was a wealthy man who shared his wealth and possessions with the sick, the poor, and the suffering. History records that he died as a martyr in about 350 A.D.

After his death, his memory was kept alive. To celebrate his generous example, he was impersonated in long, white robes and a great, white beard. Each December, during the first part of the month, the impersonator would ride on a horse and deliver gifts to the poor children of the village. Added to this practice were traditions in other countries of gift-bearing "Father Christmas" and of the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

It wasn't long before the tradition of Saint Nicholas found its way into the hearts of people everywhere. On one Christmas Eve, the poet Clement Moore wrote, "The Visits of Saint Nicholas" for his very sick daughter. In his popular poem, Saint Nicholas experienced a change of apparel, from white to red; a change of transportation, from horse to reindeer; and a change of arrival, from early December to Christmas Day. Dr. F.S. Wichman of Los Gatos, Calif., suggests that because of the new mode of transportation for Saint Nicholas, he eventually received a change of address, from heaven to the North Pole.

As we experience this Christmas season, why not tell this story to your children? It can be an effective way to use the artificial Santa Claus to point to the Godly example of a very real person who, in the spirit of Christian love, gave of himself to others. In this way, even Santa Claus can help point people back to the reason behind it all, Jesus Christ. For too long the forces of selfishness and sin have exploited the tradition of Santa Claus for monetary gain.

Let us, once and for all, use this priceless tradition for spiritual gain!

G. Edward Geans Reprinted from Dec. 25, 1991, issue of Carroll County Comet