Holiday Treat story

Saint Nick

By Gman4326

Saint Nick was born in Europe a long time ago, those who remembered him fondly said he wore simple clothes even for a wealthy deacon and carried a shepherd staff to walk with. Many years earlier his hometown was invaded by a band of raiders. Those who could work were taken from the community and sold in a distance slave market. But instead of holding a grudge Nick prayed for his captors and strength to do the work he was given. Their masters did allow gathering of slaves during certain festivals. During these times of gathering the saint preached on the origins of men, our fall and redemption by the sacrifice of the one sent from above. Many of slaves began to act in genuine humility and this disturbed their masters. Certain slave owners gave unholy perks to their male bond-servants and they took full advantages of them. Since Nick and those from his town started serving their pagan masters only very few pagan slaves continued to accept these amoral gifts. The freemen of this distant community grew concerned over their servant’s lack of honoring their ways. We must post some sort reward the chief said. Any suggestions as he continued. One man suggests freeing the slave who gives them the information towards the leader responsible for this new atheistic mindset. Another comment on allowing the male slave the right to marry a fellow female slave and exempting them from having their children sold into slavery. But others responded with very little in the solution department. We must give the slave their freedom because if we don’t the bond-servant life is in jeopardy, concludes the Chief. Word did get around to all the slaves about the reward on information leading to the capture of the man who is leading a rebellion against the pagan gods and the masters in town. During such a festive period the Saint preached on the man’s bondage to sin and no one capable to freeing themselves unless the Holy Spirit is willing to enter them and to regenerate their hearts. This freedom comes from a special grace given to the elect. We should not serve to earn our freedom or to receive unholy gifts for the one who made himself of no account? The only begotten one from before creation and time came into existence. The Virgin name Mary he was born nigh unto. The living word manifested in the flesh. The one in whom I serve. His name is Jesus Christ. One of the pagan slaves overheard this worship service and told his master the man’s name. It is Nick from the Christian community raided a while back, said the slave. Well servant if you spoke well then, it is all good however if you speak evil then your life is forfeit. Now leave, responds the master. Yes, Lord answers the slave. A word with you, asks the pagan slaves master to Nick. What’s up, responds Nick’s overseer? My slave just told me one of yours is the rebel in charge of this new atheistic mindset, answers the snitch Master. What is his name? Nick responds the unholy snitch’s Master. If this be true than he will send to work the mines for 3 years and if not he will still be sent but not tonight after the festival is over, says Nick’s master. Alright after the festival responds the other. After the festival period is over Nick’s master sends for him. Nick you are being accused of blasphemy against the gods of this land, you and I must go in front of chief where he will decided your destiny if you are found guilty you will be sent to work the mines for three years and if not I will send you there anyway for disturbing the harmony of my house. No response comes from Nick. Now in front of the Chief chair a charge of the blasphemy is introduced to the court. You are hereby charged with rebellion and blasphemy how do you plea? Not guilty on the charge of rebellion the ONE in whom I worship asks us to pray for our leaders and not rebel against those who we serve. But on the charge of blasphemy I’m guilty my lord Chief. Because I don’t worship your idols, answers Nick. I find you guilty on both charges not serve the gods of this place is an act of rebellion. You are hereby sentenced to three years of hard labor, says the Chief. During this three year period the numbers of Christian communities were on the increase. Our ways are in decline says one of the masters to the Chief. We must either surrender to their ways or ask for help to end Christian growth. What does the envoy have to say asks the Chief directly? They will not trade with us, No compromise the envoy answers the Chief. We cannot become a Christian community to free our slaves which is primary condition of becoming a Christian territory will ruin us. We must honor our gods we must burn ourselves alive as a sacrifice. Elsewhere we must free the slaves working the mines say a Christian captain. What is the justification of freeing them asks the Christian magistrate? They are all kidnapped Christian sold into slavery some time ago responds the captain. You may ago and free them but take no hostile action towards the local pagan community this is rescue mission giving him a direct command. Yes, sir saluting the captain. A few days later with oil ready and torch a blazing the villagers and those who own slaves began torching their homes and slaves alive. At the same time a rescue mission is underway the men guarding the slaves working the local mines were not at their posts. Maybe because dawn not yet approaches says Nick to himself. Just then wailing and gnashing of teeth could be heard a distance away. A group of men with shields carrying a cross on them approached the slave’s barracks. One of them says you are free men come with us. I hear screams is that you’re doing as well asks Nick? No, sir I am here to free you not to enter that place over there. Can you not send men in to save them ask Nick? I cannot do that sir don’t ask again. Realizing that the captain would be violating his orders the saint left with the rescue party. Five years has passed since that dreadful midwinter’s eve and now married with two children and one on its way now a deacon of his Church. A way of saying thanks to Jesus Christ for his deliverance from the pagans hands Saint Nick placed gifts on window ceilings from main street to the all four corners of town from now to a year before his passing.
The End