Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, and many of us have heard of him being a bearer of gifts on December 6th or, of course, on Christmas Eve.  Saint Nicholas is also the patron saint of another very special group of people…sailors!

Thank goodness for the patronage of Saint Nicholas, bringing attention to a population of people so dear to the heart of Seamen’s Church Institute…sailors!  The world would be a drastically different place if not for the ones who live their lives serving upon the waters.  Their reasons for service are many, but without their willingness to say yes to their duties, all of us would be without so many of the things that make our lives possible.  

Today marks the fourth week of Advent, where we’ve spent a season paying attention to slowing down and bearing witness to the light of God.  Today’s gospel, from the first chapter of Luke, shows Mary being presented with all that can happen to her if she says yes to God.  Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Mary said yes to serving God and yes to serving the world.  Seafarers across the world say yes to their call to serve their families, to serve the world, and to serve God.  Let us give thanks for those brave men and women who board their vessels and serve alongside one another in a common mission.  We are grateful, we are paying attention, and we are all called to keep bearing witness to the light.