A Visit from St. Nicholas
Bishop Chris continued a beloved Incarnation (Alexandria, VA) tradition with our annual visit from Saint Nicholas! After church, children gathered on the playground to hear Bishop Chris Saint Nicholas tell the story of the real-life fourth century Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey) whose secret gift-giving to the poor inspired our Christmas traditions. The children enjoyed hot drinks with candy canes (reminders of the shepherd's staff and bishop's crozier) and made pomanders (oranges pierced with cloves, a reminder of the gold coins that Saint Nicholas secretly distributed). Saint Nicholas answered their questions and invited them to ponder the goodness of giving in secret. Afterward, they were invited to pose for photos and receive a blessing.
A Collect for Saint Nicholas Day
Almighty Father, lover of souls, who chose your servant Nicholas to be a bishop in the Church, that he might give freely out of the treasures of your grace: make us mindful of the needs of others and, as we have received, so teach us also to give; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
