Isaiah 26:1-6 / Matthew 7:221, 24-27 (St. Nicholas)
In this season of Advent, we also commemorate some saints in the month of December. Today we remember St. Nicholas. He was bishop of Myra, in Lycia (now part of Turkey) and died about the middle of the fourth century. He has been venerated throughout the Church, especially since the 10th century.
St. Nicholas is also more popularly known as Santa Claus (from the Dutch "Sinterklass"). Most would only know him as that festive jolly figure that goes round dressed in red and "Ho Ho Ho".
Oh sure, he was a joyful person and he was equally generous because of his help to the poor.
He is often pictured with three golden balls which represent the three purses of gold he is said to have given secretly to a poor man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters.
Hence the golden balls decorations that are hung on the Christmas tree represent the generosity and helping of the poor by St. Nicholas, which is also the spirit of the season.
Even though it was said that he was born of wealthy Christian parents, he gave away his wealth generously to help the poor.
He is, what Jesus said in the gospel, a wise person who built his house with his generosity and helping the poor and the needy.
And till today, St. Nicholas is known for that, although most would know him as a commercial festive figure.
But since we know what St. Nicholas represents, then let us also do likewise. Let us be generous and help the poor and needy. That would be like building our house on rock.