Hope United Methodist Church hosts 'Breakfast

Hope United Methodist Church hosted a breakfast with Santa Clause. (Photo taken from Hope United Methodist Church’s Facebook page)

Hope United Methodist Church hosted a breakfast with "Santa Claus" on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The church’s Facebook page noted that it was a fantastic program because of the volunteers and supporters who helped and participated in the event. It said it is also grateful to those registered to be coordinators of the breakfast gathering.

Besides, the post noted that young people with their parents strive to make the decoration. They also acknowledged the effort of those who organized the event, mainly when Santa and Mrs. Clause appeared.

As further mentioned, they had an excellent song dedicated to all families and supporters participating in the fellowship.

Meanwhile, Hope United Methodist Church looks forward to the activities for the youth and their Christmas Party, as posted on the page.

Legend of Santa Clause

The History website revealed that they traced back the story of Santa Claus hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. According to them, people believed that Nicholas was born nearly 280 A.D in Patara, near Myra, in modern-day Turkey.

In addition, they noted that people look up to him because of his kindness and holiness. The website said that Nicholas became the topic of many legends. They explained that he gave all his inherited wealth and went to the countryside to help the poor and sick.

Moreover, the History website said that St. Nicholas saved three poor sisters from slavery and prostitution by giving a dowry to their father so they could be married. They said that this story is one of the most popular stories of Nicholas.

As further explained, his popularity spread, and he became famous as a protector of children and sailors. They added that people celebrate his death anniversary on Dec. 6. They mentioned that people consider this day their lucky day to make large purchases or get married.

The website noted that this belief is part of the old custom. The website revealed that St. Nicholas became the most famous said in Europe in the Renaissance period.

In addition, the website said that others discouraged the veneration of saints after the Protestant Reformation, but St. Nicholas still had a good reputation, particularly in Holland.

Etymology of Santa Claus

The same website revealed that the term “Santa Claus” came from Nick’s Dutch nickname, “Sinter Klaas.” They explained that the nickname is a shortened version of Sint Nikolaas of Dutch for Saint Nicholas.

As further revealed, John Pintard, a New York Historical Society member, gave away woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting in 1804. They added that the background of the engraving has familiar Santa images.

The website said that the images of Santa include stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace.

About Hope United Methodist Church

On the church’s website, Hope United Methodist Church emphasizes that they aim to let Jesus transform their lives. As further explained, they want to demonstrate God’s love to others by loving others and making efficient followers.

Moreover, the church noted that they want to serve the world for God. They want to achieve this by sharing the Gospel of God’s grace, as added on the website.