Advent Calendar - Friday of the Second Week: The Tradition of the Stocking

by Jane Carver

"To all who received Him, who believe in His name, he gave power to become the children of God." (Jn. 1:12)

Why do we hang stockings by the chimney with care? 

Legend has it that three very poor young ladies lived in a village with their father. The father worried that upon the event of his death, his three daughters would not be able to marry since they had no dowries. The proud father refused to accept any charity from outsiders and the family remained as they were. One night, however, St. Nicholas was passing by the open window of their cottage. He threw three bags of gold inside for each of the three daughters. One of the bags landed inside a stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry. 

Some families uphold this tradition by placing an orange inside of the stocking to represent the bag of gold and St. Nicholas' generous deed! 

We are now about half way through Advent. This charming story reminds us to continue to prepare the "stocking" of our heart to receive, not a bag of gold, but Christ Himself at Christmas!

- by Jane Carver

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