Nicholas the Generous

Nicholas the Generous

Nicholas of Myra, the historical bishop behind the Santa Claus legend, was famous in his lifetime for secret generosity — particularly to the poor. The most famous legend: three girls whose impoverished father could not provide dowries (which would condemn them to slavery or prostitution) received bags of gold thrown through their window at night, appearing to them as miraculous provision. The story — however legendary its embellishments — captures something true about Nicholas: his generosity was secret, joyful, and directed toward those with genuine need. The cheerful giver of 2 Corinthians 9:7 is his spiritual portrait.

2 Corinthians 9:7 connects the manner of giving to its reception by God: 'God loves a cheerful giver.' The word hilaron (cheerful, hilarious) describes giving that comes from joy rather than obligation. Not giving because you have to; not giving because others will notice; but giving because the overflow of gratitude and love can't be contained, and giving is the release. Nicholas's secret giving is the fullest expression of this: giving that cannot receive public approval because the giver is unknown. This Advent season, as generosity is everywhere in the culture, the invitation is to examine the quality of your giving: is it cheerful, secret, directed toward genuine need, and offered from joy rather than compulsion?