Nicolas of Myra, a 4th-century Greek bishop, was a very generous man, known for tossing coins to children, miraculous healings, and even saving a man’s three daughters from a life of destitution by surreptitiously tossing a sack full of money through their window to pay for their dowries. Later, after he was sainted, St. Nicolas became associated with a spirit of generosity, which today we celebrate at Christmas.
What is less well known is that, according to legend, he also punched the heretic Arius in the nose when Arius denied the divinity of Jesus Christ at the First Council of Nicea.
Here’s to generosity, healing, and slapping heretics at ecumenical councils. May the spirit of Christmas and the conviction of Ol’ St. Nick be with us this merry holiday!
Thought Butter 