Brian’s Reflection: Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Clement Clark Moore, author of “The Visit of
St. Nicholas”, first published on this date,
1823, in the Troy NY Sentinal

Here’s the “legend” of Nicolas, who is, of course, “Santa (Saint) nic-clause – Nicholas.

"The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."

I have a lovely personal connection, on two levels. One: I went to the General Seminary. It’s in Chelsea, Manhattan – the land of the seminary belonged to the Moore family ,who were Episcopalians. It was between 9th and 10th Avenues (then).

Two: I include a lovely picture, taken at my ordination with my mum, Madge, of Bp. Paul Moore, then bishop of NY. He was a direct descendant of Clement Clark Moore.

file:///Users/brianmchugh/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Originals/2003/McHugh,%20Brian/1973%20May_Brian%20graduating%20from%20GTS,%20with%20Bishop%20Paul%20Moore%20and%20Mum.jpg

Like so much of “religion”, this poem became beloved. And I think it pleasantly expresses some of the virtues of the original “Santa Claus”.

Just remember: the original “Santa Claus” was a Christian bishop know for his deep love of the poor and the orphaned.

The meaning of the story of the Incarnation is that the core of our human being-ness is the Divine Mystery. Love, Compassion, Justice, Mercy, Forgiveness, Truth.

May all these things be renewed in you in the year ahead! Have fun in 2010.

Brian+