LUTHERAN
CHURCH
OF THE RESURRECTION’S “ST. NICK NITE”
TEACHES KIDS THE REAL MEANING OF THE SEASON
“Wreaths, angels, candles, bells... Which do you think came first—Jesus' birth or these things that we associate with Christmas?” The Youth Ministry of the
Lutheran
Church
of the Resurrection,
Mount
Kisco
posed this question to a group of about 80 young children and adults who had gathered on December 8 for the church’s annual St. Nicholas event. “St. Nick Nite,” as it has been known for the past 10 years or so, is a popular family holiday program that the church presents for free to members and the community.
“Children of all ages come to hear the stories behind the symbols of Christmas and their meanings,” said Resurrection’s pastor, The Rev. Jack M. Horner. “They also get excited to see St. Nick himself who makes a special appearance to talk about the history of the Advent season.”
In existence long before Santa Claus, St. Nicholas—a Greek born during the third century in what is now the southern coast of Turkey, was the original gift-giving mystery man who, legend has it, was known for his love for children and his generosity to the poor.
“Throughout the centuries, so many stories and legends have been told about St. Nick’s life and deeds,” said Horner. “This is why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.”
Young participants gathered in the church’s Sanctuary (leaving their shoes in traditional neat lines outside its doors in expectation of them being filled with treats from St. Nick—that’s a tradition, too!) They sang Christmas carols, getting into the spirit of the evening. Ten teen members of LCR’s youth ministry conducted the storytelling for the younger children, displaying and providing explanations about the symbols of Christmas and their meanings including holly leafs, candy canes and Christmas trees. “The Christmas tree represents immortality, resiliency, longevity and rebirth,” explained youth Davin Heidgerd. “They’re green all year-round, reminding us of eternal life and the everlasting hope of mankind.”
The St. Nick program seeks to remind young people that "Jesus is the reason for the season,” and to understand that the holiday is more than just gift-giving and getting. “The children are taught that St. Nicholas symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December,” said Horner. “We want kids to stay focused on those themes year-round.”
Toward the end of the presentation, the crowd went all a-hush as a tall man with a long white beard, staff, flowing robes, and a high, pointed hat entered mysteriously. Speaking with the children in a quiet voice, he spoke about the blessings of Christmas and the importance of teaching others about Jesus. Then, suddenly, with the soft, twinkling sound of a bell—he was gone. “As the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, its ringing reminds us that we are all brought into the fold of God’s loving comfort and embrace through Jesus,” he said.
A festive fellowship with coffee and snacks completed the evening—and, of course, the kids loved finding those chocolate treats waiting in their shoes.
