Before Santa Claus became a jolly figure in a red suit, there was Sinterklaas—the historical Saint Nicholas of Myra. His life, rooted in Christian faith and sacrificial generosity, offers a powerful example for anyone called to serve as a Christmas Chaplain today.
Saint Nicholas was born around 270 A.D. in Patara, a city in what is now Turkey. Orphaned at a young age, Nicholas inherited wealth but chose to use it in service to Christ. He became bishop of Myra, known for his pastoral care, generosity to the poor, and fearless defense of the faith during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.
Nicholas was more than a giver of gifts—he was a shepherd of souls. His most famous acts of kindness were often done in secret, leaving needed provision for struggling families. These stories would evolve into the Sinterklaas traditions celebrated in the Netherlands, which in turn influenced the Santa Claus we know today.
But in his own time, Nicholas was a steward of the Christmas message—pointing people not to himself, but to Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all.
The heart of Saint Nicholas’ ministry mirrors the calling of a Christmas Chaplain:
❄️ Incarnational Presence – Nicholas walked among his people, entering their struggles and needs, much like Christ entered the world in the Incarnation.
❄️ Generosity in Action – His giving was purposeful, meeting real needs while pointing to God’s provision.
❄️ Defender of the Faith – At the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.), Nicholas defended the truth of Christ’s divinity against false teaching.
❄️ Care for the Vulnerable – He was known for protecting children, rescuing prisoners, and helping those on society’s margins.
A Christmas Chaplain carries this same torch—bringing the hope of Christ into hospitals, prisons, firehouses, nursing homes, public events, and homes during the Christmas season.
While Sinterklaas wore the robes of a bishop, the modern Christmas Chaplain might wear a winter coat and scarf. But the mission is the same:
❄️ To listen with compassion.
❄️ To give without expecting anything in return.
❄️ To speak truth about the meaning of Christmas.
❄️ To shine light in the darkest places.
Like Nicholas, the Christmas Chaplain understands that the real power of the season is not in the decorations or festivities, but in the life-changing message of Emmanuel—God with us.
When you become a Christmas Chaplain, you join a centuries-long line of believers who have used the Christmas season as a moment for deep spiritual impact. You step into the role of a seasonal shepherd, stewarding the good news that Christ came into the world to save sinners.
The generosity of Sinterklaas was not about toys or candy—it was about reflecting the heart of Christ. As a Christmas Chaplain, your ministry can carry that same eternal weight.
The real Saint Nicholas was not a mythical figure—he was a real man of God who saw Christmas as an opportunity to serve, protect, and proclaim the gospel. In a world where the season is often commercialized beyond recognition, the Christmas Chaplain has the privilege of reclaiming that message.
This year, follow in the footsteps of Sinterklaas. Become a Christmas Chaplain and bring the gift of Christ’s presence into the lives of those who need it most.
🎄 Start your Christmas Chaplaincy Training today and continue the legacy of Saint Nicholas as a steward of the Christmas message.
As a Christmas Chaplain, you can stand in places where blessings are needed most—family gatherings, weddings, community events, and beyond.
Take the next step today:
❄️ See the new Christmas Chaplain Merchandise!
❄️ Enroll in the Christmas Chaplain Program.
❄️ Support Training More Volunteer Chaplains.
Because your blessing might be the gift someone remembers most this Christmas.
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