What Is A Gift?

Archives: Christmas Pack #12
What Is a Gift?

A Saint Nicholas Day Celebration

• Celebration
• Introduction

A Saint Nicholas Day Celebration

Introduction

This celebration piece can be used to recognize Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th. It is designed to be used during a worship service or special Christmas event. It tells of Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop, and his unique way of giving, encouraging people to remember those in need during Christmas and throughout the year.

As you plan this event, choose a leader and someone to play the part of Saint Nicholas. Allow enough time for them to become familiar with their lines.

You will need the music to Jolly Old Saint Nicholas as well as a robe and staff for Saint Nicholas' costume. You will also need gold coin chocolates if you wish to hand out candy at the end.

You might want to plan a meal or gathering after your presentation or service for people to discuss and plan for alternative gift-giving this Christmas. You could encourage them to bring a gift for someone in need to your Epiphany celebration (in example: baby booties, warm gloves or food).

Celebration

LEADER

As some of you may have noticed, we have a special day coming up. This (day of week) is December 6th, the feast of Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas lived long ago in the 4th century far away in Myra, a part of Asia Minor. He was known for his kindness and generosity to the needy. He was so loving to people that eventually he was asked to lead the Christians in Myra as their bishop.

Some of you are actively following his example of reaching out to the poor and rejected. That's marvelous! You're keeping a proper perspective on giving at a time of year when we feel tremendous pressure to buy unnecessary things for one another, while more needy people go without heat, nutritious food and friendship.

It's difficult these days to remember the one whose birthday we will be celebrating soon. What kinds of gifts would Jesus want - our works of mercy and love? Imagine how this Christmas could be a truly Christian feast if we all followed Jesus' example like Nicholas did.

[Saint Nicholas stands at back of room]

SAINT NICHOLAS

That would be wonderful!

LEADER

Who said that?

NICHOLAS

I did, (name of leader).

LEADER

Are you who I think you are?

NICHOLAS

Yes indeed! Nicholas, Bishop of Myra at your service.

LEADER

Please won't you join me up here?

[Musician plays Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (no lyrics). Nicholas proceeds down the aisle smiling and greeting people on the way. He wears a bishop's robe and carries a staff. As he joins the leader, he turns toward the congregation or audience.]

LEADER

Well, Bishop Nicholas, can you give us some ideas about gift-giving?

NICHOLAS

I think Jesus showed us the way. He always tried to give to people who were poor, sick or lonely.

LEADER

Who might that be in (name of city).

NICHOLAS

Well, sometimes it's someone in your own family, classroom, office or neighborhood who is feeling lonely or overwhelmed by a problem. They need your friendship and your time. You may not know the names of those who are struggling to heat their home, but they are right here in (name of city). I hear that the power company has a way for you to help pay their heating bills to keep them warm this winter. Or you can donate food to the local food bank. And don't forget about helping people by donating to (church's giving fund ).

LEADER

But if we use some of our gift money that way, we won't have enough to buy expensive gifts for our families and friends. They might be disappointed.

NICHOLAS

That's right. Sometimes it's hard to be like Jesus. Remember that he promised his spirit would be with us at times like this to help us make loving choices. You can explain it to your friends and relatives, asking them to use their money for the needy too, instead of buying you a gift.

LEADER

Oh, that sounds tough!

NICHOLAS

But it feels wonderful!

LEADER

Saint Nicholas, can you tell us of a time when you gave a gift?

NICHOLAS

Let me think a moment. Oh yes, there was once a poor couple who had three daughters who were ready to get married. According to the custom of that time, the family needed money to give as a dowry for the daughters to marry. Without the money for dowries, the girls would have no choice but to become slaves. I didn't want that to happen, so one night I secretly tossed some gold coins through the window.

LEADER

What happened when they found the coins?

NICHOLAS

Well, they didn't find them right away. You see, it had been raining and the family had put their shoes and stockings near the fireplace to dry. Since I don't have a very good aim, some of the coins fell in the shoes and others ended up in the stockings hung at the mantel. I bet they were surprised when they put on their shoes and stockings the next day.

LEADER

Did they ever find out it was you?

NICHOLAS

They thought it might be me, but I never told. That's half the fun of giving - keeping it a secret. Like Jesus, I love to give to those in need. And I love to give to children.

[Nicholas invites children forward.]

NICHOLAS

I have a gift for you today. Who can remember the gift I gave to the three daughters?

CHILDREN

[Leader can prompt if need be] Gold coins.

NICHOLAS

Right! And I have some for you today, not real gold, but with a treat inside.
[Nicholas passes out coin candy. This part can be deleted or adapted if you do not wish to pass out candy.]

NICHOLAS

Now, can you think of ways you might give a gift to someone who is lonely or poor?

[Allow time for children to respond.]

LEADER

Thank you for sharing your time with us today, Saint Nicholas. Your ideas about gift-giving will help us to remember those who are truly in need this Christmas season.

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