The Legend of Santa ClausBy Tamera Lynn Kraft
Santa Claus is a legend loved by millions of children throughout the centuries. While the story of Santa
Claus is a myth told to illustrate the spirit of giving at Christmastime, there was a real man named Saint Nicholas.
Nicholas was born in the third century in the village of Patara. When he was born, Patara was a part of Greece. Now it’s located in Turkey. His parents were rich and raised him to be a Christian, but they died when he was young.
He used up his inheritance caring for the needy, the sick, and the suffering. When he was a little still a young man, he was appointed as bishop of Myra and became well known for his generosity to the needy, his love of children, and his care for sailors.
One story tells about three dowerless girls. In that time, girls whose
fathers were too poor to provide dowries often had to be sold into slavery. On
these three occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home providing enough
for the dowries. People suspected Saint Nicholas of leaving the gifts. The bags
of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or
shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging
stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.The Roman Emperor, Diocletian, persecuted the church. Nicholas was exiled and imprisoned in a prison that was so full of Christians, it didn’t have room for criminals. Eventually he was released and returned to Myra and attended the council of Nicaea in 625.
Nicholas died on December 6, 643. A substance grew on his grave called manna that was reported to heal people. Since then, December 6 has been known as Saint Nicholas Day.
About her book:
A Christmas Promise
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
A Moravian Holiday Story, Circa 1773
During colonial times, John and Anna settle in
an Ohio village to become Moravian missionaries to the Lenape. When John is
called away to help at another settlement two days before Christmas, he
promises he’ll be back by Christmas Day.
When he doesn’t show up, Anna works hard to
not fear the worst while she provides her children with a traditional Moravian
Christmas.
Through it all, she discovers a Christmas
promise that will give her the peace she craves.
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Bio:
TAMERA LYNN KRAFT
has always loved adventures and writes Christian historical fiction set in
America because there are so many adventures in American history. She is
married to the love of her life, has two grown children, and lives in Akron,
Ohio.
Tamera is the leader
of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s
leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and
children’s evangelist. She has curriculum published and is a recipient of the
2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime
achievement in children’s ministry.
You can
contact Tamera online at these sites:
