St. Nicholas-How a Christian Pastor Became Santa Claus

Many of the influences of the Christian faith have been obscured. Few recognize that the cultural icon of Santa Claus is one of the many, many influences of Christianity upon the Christmas season. "St. Nicholas-How a Christian Pastor Became Santa Claus" sketches the transformation of the legacy of a Christian pastor-Nicholas of Myra-into the fictitious Santa Claus. Though his life was historically celebrated on December 6, the caricature of Santa Claus has come to supplant the real purpose of Christmas-the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Following the historical transformation of Nicholas into Santa Claus, readers are invited to return to an appreciation of the true life of Nicholas and the Lord whom he served.