Father Christmas is big this time of the year. But do you
know the man behind the myth?
Another extract from 'One
True Light' by Tim Chester.
It made me smile. I hope it both makes you smile and strengthens
your resolve to know the REAL Jesus this Christmas...
Did you know that Santa once threw a punch? The name 'Santa Claus' is derived from 'Saint Nicholas'. Nicholas was a bishop who attended the Council of Nicea in AD 324. The council had been called in response to the teaching of a man called Arius, who claimed that Jesus was a created being. He was willing to affirm that Jesus was the first created being and so supreme in creation, but, according to Arius, he was created. In other words, there was a time when Jesus did not exist.
The story goes that at first Nicholas listened quietly to the arguments of Arius. But in the end he could take it no longer. He stepped across the room and slapped Arius across the face.
So maybe on Christmas Day we should punch heretics instead of giving presents. (or maybe not).
The point is that this truth mattered deeply to Nicholas. It was not just a debating point - it was of crucial importance for the salvation of our souls. If Jesus was created, then he is not truly and fully divine. And John is clear: Jesus the Word already 'was' in the beginning. (John 1:1)
If you want to buy a copy of 'The One True Light' in time for next Christmas CLICK HERE
If you want to buy it now as an ebook for ipad or kindle: CLICK HERE
