Virginia Theological Seminary

St. Nicholas

December 6

by Julie A. Petras, from Draw and Tell Saints

Bag with coins

Tell story with a large sheet of paper (or dry-erase board, chalkboard, or overhead projector), a marker, and Draw and Tell story. No artistic talent needed and the story is easily adaptable to your group. For children K–6.

How to use this story

  • Highlight the words/s and corresponding bold line/s to be drawn
  • Draw a line or two as the story is told
  • Practice drawing and telling the story several times
  • Change wording to fit age group
  • Draw picture on paper. The finished picture may be given to the one who identifies the picture, or it may be displayed as review.
  • Have children "keep the secret" until the end of the story, even if they think they know what it is.
  • Younger children enjoy watching and listening as the story is told; older children enjoy drawing along with the storyteller

Nicholas was a GOOD, KIND BISHOP who lived during the fourth century in Lycia, in what is now southwestern Turkey.
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There are many legends about Nicholas and how he helped people of his diocese, MYRA.
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One story tells how Nicholas HELPED FREE MEN who were in prison even though they were innocent.
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One of the most popular stories is about a time when Nicholas helped a poor man who did not have enough money for his THREE DAUGHTERS to get married.
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During the night, Nicholas secretly threw a BAG OF GOLD through the man's open window while the man slept.
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Shortly after, the ELDEST DAUGHTER got married.
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Some time later, Nicholas secretly threw in ANOTHER BAG OF GOLD. The second daughter was able to be married.
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When Nicholas did this the third time, the man RAN AFTER HIM. After catching up with Nicholas, the father thanked him for his kindness and generosity.
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The THIRD DAUGHTER was also able to get married.
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Throughout his life, Nicholas expressed his love for God BY HELPING PEOPLE. In England, about four hundred churches are named for St. Nicholas.
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It has become a tradition in some countries that on the eve of St. Nicholas' feast day, the children leave out their EMPTY SHOES for Nicholas to fill with gifts.
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St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. 
The feast of St. Nicholas is December 6th.
What did Nicholas throw through the poor man's window?
(A bag of gold.)

By Julie A. Petras, from Draw and Tell Saints, Our Sunday Visitor, copyright © 2004, pp. 6, 101–106. The permission to reproduce copyrighted materials for use was extended by Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN, 46750. 1-800-348-2440. Website: www.osv.com. No other use of this material is authorized.

"St. Nicholas" is one of seventeen saints' stories in Draw and Tell Saints, each with a symbol to draw. Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.ca or amazon.uk.
Also available: Bible Stories to Draw and Tell, purchase from amazon.com, amazon.ca or amazon.uk.
Also available: Draw and Tell Sacraments, purchase from amazon.com, amazon.ca or amazon.uk.

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