God Does Big Things with Small Deeds

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin" (Zech. 4:10 NLT).

Moses had a staff.
David had a sling.
Samson had a jawbone.
Rahab had a string.
Mary had some ointment.
Aaron had a rod.
Dorcas had a needle.
All were used by God.
What do you have?
God inhabits the tiny seed, empowers the tiny deed. He cures the common life by giving no common life, by offering no common gifts. Don't discount the smallness of your deeds.
From Cure for the Common Life
( M Lucado)

A Legend story ~ St Nicholas and the three pickeled boys! @ St. Nicholas Day Blessing of Candy Canes

 I came accross these new revelations about the story  of St Nicholas.....

I heard this morning the boat of "St Nicholas" arriving at the school of my kids....singing dancing celebration and gift givings will go on through today at there school.
Tomorrow is the holiday celebration in Holland.
Have an great weekend!


The historic St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor. St. Nicholas is traditionally considered the patron saint of children, particularly boys. In fact, in medieval England, it was the custom on St. Nicholas' Day (December 6) to choose a choirboy from the cathedral choir as "Bishop for a Day." Some cathedral museums still have their "boy bishop" vestments on display.

Icon: St. Nicholas and the Three Slain Boys

The association is traced to the legend of St. Nicholas and the Three Pickled Boys. Tradition has it that an evil shopkeeper in the town of Myra hated children. He kidnapped three small boys, chopped them up with an axe, and pickled them in a barrel. St. Nicholas, upon hearing of this horror, prayed fervently to God. Because of the purity of his faith, the boys were raised to life and wholeness again and came out of the pickle barrel singing "Alleluia!" and giving thanks to God.

The legend of St. Nicholas and the Three Pickled Boys was popularized in this century by the composer Benjamin Britten in his well-known cantata "St. Nicolas" (op. 42). The witty choral work, with poetry by Eric Crozier, tells the life of the saint in song; three choirboys sing the part of the Pickled Boys, always an audience favorite.

For several years at Christmastime, Godiva Chocolate produced a large, solid chocolate St. Nicholas figure which had at his feet three boys and a pickle barrel.

The illustration shows what is believed to be the only existing icon depicting this legend. The evil shopkeeper's axe is visible in the lower right corner. To make a theological point, the artist has made the pickle barrel a baptismal font, symbolizing death and rebirth




Excerpted from "Prayers for the Domestic Church: A Handbook for Worship in the Home," by Edward Hays. Forest of Peace Publishing, c2000. Used with permission.

Good St. Nicholas, we honor you
on this your holy feast day.
We rejoice that you are the patron saint
and the holy symbol of joy
for many peoples of many lands.
Come, great-hearted saint,
and be our patron and companion
as we, once again, prepare our homes and hearts
for the great feast of Christmas,
the birth of the Eternal Blessing, Jesus Christ.

May these sweets, these candy canes,
be a sign of Advent joy for us.
May these candy canes,
shaped just like your Bishop's staff,
be for us a sign of your benevolent care.

We rejoice that you are the holy bringer of gifts
and that so many have been delighted
through your great generosity.
Help us to be as generous of heart.

Wherever these candy canes are hung,
on tree or wall or door,
may they carry with them
the bright blessing of God.
May all who shall taste them
experience the joy of God
upon their tongues and in their hearts.

We ask God, now, to bless
these your brightly striped sweets
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.