Happy St. Nicholas Day!

[CS1983]

In AD 325 Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea, the very first ecumenical council.
More than 300 bishops came from all over the Christian world
to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity. It was one of the early church's most
intense theological questions. Arius, from Egypt, was teaching that Jesus
the Son was not equal to God the Father. Arius forcefully argued his position at
length. The bishops listened respectfully.

As Arius vigorously continued, Nicholas became more and more agitated.
Finally, he could no longer bear what he believed was essential being attacked.
The outraged Nicholas got up, crossed the room, and slapped Arius across the
face! The bishops were shocked. It was unbelievable that a bishop would
lose control and be so hotheaded in such a solemn assembly. They brought
Nicholas to Constantine. Constantine said even though it was illegal for anyone
to strike another in his presence, in this case, the bishops themselves must
determine the punishment.

The bishops stripped Nicholas of his bishop's garments, chained him, and
threw him into jail. That would keep Nicholas away from the meeting. When the
Council ended a final decision would be made about his future.

Nicholas was ashamed and prayed for forgiveness, though he did not waver in
his belief. During the night, Jesus and Mary his Mother, appeared,* asking, "Why are you in jail?" "Because of my love for you,"
Nicholas replied. Jesus then gave the Book of the Gospels to Nicholas. Mary gave
him an omophorion, so Nicholas
would again be dressed as a bishop. Now at peace, Nicholas studied the
Scriptures for the rest of the night.

When the jailer came in the morning, he found the chains loose on the floor
and Nicholas dressed in bishop's robes, quietly reading the Scriptures. When
Constantine was told of this, the emperor asked that Nicholas be freed. Nicholas
was then fully reinstated as the Bishop of Myra.

The Council of Nicaea agreed with Nicholas' views, deciding the question
against Arius. The work of the Council produced the Nicene Creed which to this day many
Christians repeat weekly when they stand to say what they believe.

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/page...oses-his-cool/

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

We celebrated (stocking stuffers), but I haven't met many in Colorado who do. It was definitely a thing in the upper Midwest. First taste of Christmas thing more than religious.

[HoneyBadger]

Our kiddos left their shoes by the fireplace last night and each woke up to some chocolate "coins" and a small gift. It's one of my favorite traditions!