Icon of Gentleness: St Nicholas

By J M Rosenthal

The real Santa Claus and Father Christmas comes alive in this easy-to-read look at the life of this great man of generosity and faith. This is a perfect introduction to the saint who, if ignored, is to our peril as lovers of Advent and Christmas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Nov 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546285311

J M Rosenthal

Dr James Rosenthal is the President of the UK based St Nicholas Society and is the Parish Priest at St James Anglican Church, Merton, London near Wimbledon. A regular visitor to Bari and Myra, Dr Rosenthal has visited over 200 churches dedicated to St Nicholas around the world, from Amsterdam to Cape Goast Ghana, Philadelphia to Madrid. Dr Rosenthal dons the robes of the saint and has appeared for 17 years in Canterbury Kent in the city and great cathedral.

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© 2017 J M Rosenthal. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   04/06/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-8491-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-8492-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-8531-1 (e)

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The story of the great Wonderworker, Nicholas of Myra, comes alive in this gentle re-telling of his stories and legends. The book is also a perfect resource for those interested in the renewal of a great tradition and to remind young and old alike of the true identity of the Advent visitor known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.

St Nicholas belongs to everyone.

Though most know him now as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, his true identity and his legends and miracles reflect the desire of a man who, as a bishop of the church, sought to share his faith with those he came in contact with day by day through many extraordinary acts of kindness.

His message of care and the need to support one’s neighbour echoes from the 4th century when he lived and worked in Asia Minor in what is now known as Turkey. His message of gentleness, strength of belief and his unwavering compassion is needed as much today as it was then. In this spirit we begin our search for St Nicholas, Wonderworker and our Friend in Heaven.

Long live St Nicholas!

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Each year we celebrate with joy the coming

Of that great Saint of old, we love so dear.

His legends are the stories we all cherish, They call to mind that Christmas now is near!

O great St Nicholas, we hail and greet you, We thank you for the good news that you bring. O lead us on to Bethlehem, the Manger, Where we can pray and joyous songs forever sing.

Your love of children, marks your way of caring. The students three, new life you bring to be.