The Metropolitan Anthony (Packanich) about the most valuable gifts.
 

The best gifts belong to the material dimension not as much as to the spiritual. And these gifts are real treasure.

Saint Nicholas gives us his help and different sacraments, but there are three gifts that we receive from him regularly.

The first - it’s hope. When you think about Saint Nicholas, great hope comes into our soul, that through Saint’s praying and with his guidance we will find necessary help and support, and all irrepressible issues will be solved. This hope becomes a lifeline in horrible sorrow and misfortune sometimes.

The second gift - it’s gladness. The evidences about Saint’s help, probably, from firsthand experience and tales from various people, are always full of gladful details and wonderful circumstances. All that is connected with a holy man in our life bring childish and sincere joy. And gladness is always the way to faith. It gives birth to faith.

Saint Nicholas unites people with different opinions. The belief in his treatment reassures and calms. And the third gift, maybe the main, is the demand for action.

All things in our life can happen in the best way for us and fill with miracles, if we start doing them by ourselves and work hard in this direction. If we change ourselves, instead of waiting others to change, if we don’t demand miracles, and bring them in neighbour’s life, if we spread faith, hope and love abroad going away from evil and fury. The demand for action is a move away from egomania.

The stories of Saint Nicholas’s life shows us his real kind actions, dedication and love towards other people. That’s why every time when we remember the holy man’s life, we feel heartfelt, willingness to treat others, to make something kind. Let the memorial day of the Saint lead us to the comprehension of real love, let all bygones be forgiven and let the hope and the gladness settle down in our heart.

The way to the House of God is not simple, every step makes us to change, to get rid of the dirt, otherwise we won’t move a foot. But how wonderful that way is! How many light and warmth we receive with the smallest effort to become better. How the praying of those who follow us on our way helping to bear our cross, supporting and directing, excites our heart and soul.