Merry Christmas to you and your families. I hope you have a safe and wonderful time together with whoever you hold close! I am also praying that God brings comfort to those of you who are missing loved ones or experiencing sadness during this time.
As Christmas draws near, I want to share some of the history of Christmas and why we should celebrate by loving one another.
If you celebrate Santa Clause aka Ol’ Saint Nick aka Saint Nicholas, please know this:
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“Saint Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop in modern-day Turkey, renowned for his secret acts of generosity, especially toward children and the poor (e.g., providing dowries for three sisters by tossing gold through their window).
These stories made him the patron saint of children, and his feast day (December 6) became associated with gift-giving across Europe. In the Netherlands, he evolved into Sinterklaas, a stately bishop who rewarded good children with presents.
Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas to America, where the name became Santa Claus. In the 19th–20th centuries, American writers (like Clement Clarke Moore) and illustrators (Thomas Nast, Coca-Cola ads) transformed him into the jolly, red-suited, reindeer-driven figure delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.
Modern Santa Claus thus retains Saint Nicholas’s core spirit of anonymous, joyful giving but has become a secular, commercialized Christmas icon.”
Summarized by Grok
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The person Santa is based on, was a Christ follower. It should come as no surprise, that all of mankind’s best ideas are inspired by God. I am so thankful for God’s grace and the birth of His son, Jesus. I am so thankful for the Christmas spirit and for the opportunity to share about the one who redeemed my soul.
Merry Christmas y’all 🎄
Neal
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WORKOUT OF THE WEEK
From Juan Martinez, Owner/Trainer at WTS:
As a strength and conditioning coach, I believe in the power of movement for physical health and mental well-being. Regular strength training can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help manage stress.
Workout : Grounding Lower Body Circuit
Focus: Feel strong and grounded with this lower-body workout.
- Goblet Squats – 4 sets of 10 reps
- Romanian Deadlifts – 4 sets of 10 reps
- Step-Ups with Dumbbells – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg
- Walking Lunges – 3 sets of 20 steps
- Calf Raises – 3 sets of 15 reps
Build a strong foundation for your fitness and mental health. Need a little more guidance?
Let’s work together! 🔗 Schedule a chat with an expert
Contact Juan at westtexasstrength@gmail.com
