The True Saint Nicholas Why He Matters to Christmas [Hardcover]

Former secretary of education andNew York Timesbestselling author William Bennett blends his historical expertise with his gift for storytelling into a heartwarming book about the man who ultimately became known as Santa Claus.

Beloved writer and speaker William Bennett brings the legendary Saint Nicholas to life in this fascinating and faith-affirming book that will change the way you think about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Bennett reflects on Saint Nicholas’s storied life, which has spanned seventeen centuries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and reveals an inspiring tale of devotion to God and an example of eternal goodness.

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmasfocuses on three aspects of Saint Nicholas—historical facts from his life, his legacy in the centuries following his death, and the legendary status that transformed his likeness into the present-day jolly, toy-bearing Santa Claus. The book vividly captures the heart and life of someone who lived long ago—and yet whose life remains an inspiration for everyone to aspire to a higher order of generosity, giving, and devotion to others.

An instant classic by one of America’s most respected thinkers,The True Saint Nicholasis a memorable keepsake to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.The True Saint Nicholas

INTRODUCTION

When most of us hear the name “Saint Nicholas,” we immediately think of Santa Claus. As children, we listened wide-eyed to Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem about the night before Christmas, when “down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.” At some point along the way, we may have asked an older and wiser acquaintance why Santa sometimes goes by this alias. ThlӴ