|
|
Christian Indie Radio
GetChristianMusic
Solid Walnut Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devotionals
|
|
Cartoons
Culture
Family
Games
Health
Homeschooling
Humor
Inspiration
Kids
Men
Ministry
Parenting
Poetry
Teens
Women
|
|
Statement of Faith
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
Homeschooling in the Fast Lane:Green Faith, The Truth About St. Patrick
by Marilynn Griffith (Marilynn's bio)
Send this page to a friend
St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. Green beer, shamrock parties and all types of festivities celebrate him each year. Yet, if the average American were asked who Patrick really was, few could answer.
THE LORD'S BONDSLAVE
Born in Scotland around 385 to Roman parents, Maewyn, who later took the Christian name of Patrick, grew up hearing of Jesus and Christianity. Fourteen years later, an Irish raiding party captured Maewyn and took him to the home to be a slave, tending herds and sheep.
Like another young shepherd, Maewyn called out to the God of the Bible during his captivity. Of the six years he spent on the Irish hillsides, Patrick wrote:
"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same."
"I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."
At age twenty, the Lord spoke to Patrick in a dream, instructing him to go to the coast and escape. Some willing sailors gave him passage to Britain, where his parents still resided.
The green isle of Patrick's toil did not fade from Patrick's memory once he returned to his native home. Instead, Patrick dreamed of the Irish people calling out to him, begging for him to come and share the gospel with them.
A HEART FOR THE PEOPLE
Patrick heeded the call of the Irish people just as Paul heeded the Macedonians crying out in the night years before. Unfortunately, at the time Patrick lived a sincere heart wasn't considered enough to preach the gospel. After twelve years of study for the priesthood and ordination by St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, Patrick was declared ready to preach.
After another man was appointed to Ireland and then transferred to Scotland with no success, Patrick returned to Ireland on March 25, 433. Patrick and his followers preached Christ and built churches all over the country. Through one man's efforts, kings, queens and entire kingdoms turned to Jesus.
Patrick preached throughout Ireland for over thirty years. He died on March 17, 461, poor and weary in body, but rich in spirit. It is this day, the day of Patrick's death which is celebrated today as Saint Patrick's Day.
SHAMROCKS AND SUCH
The shamrock or three-leafed clover often associated with Saint Patrick's Day was used by the preacher to explain the Trinity of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Much like the clover, Patrick said, the were distinctly different yet all the same.
Many stories circulate even today about Patrick's miracles. Some say he raised men from the dead. One Druid who sought to stop Patrick from preaching to his people was reportedly converted after his arm stiffened when he reached out to strike Patrick. Others claim he drove all the snakes out of Ireland.
One fact without dispute is that Patrick lived a humble and passionate life for his Lord, Jesus Christ. He thought less of his life and himself than the people he'd been called to take the gospel to. Learn more about St. Patrick with your children and turn this secular holiday into a time of fun and faith!
Copyright 2002, Marilynn Griffith. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Marilynn Griffith: Marilynn Griffith is a freelance writer living in Florida, with her husband and six children. Her recent credits include HONEY FOR A HOMESCHOOLER'S HEART, CRUMBS IN THE KEYBOARD, COMFORT FOR A GRIEVING HEART, PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE, Christian Families Online and more. She is Assistant Editor for the Better Babies Newsletter http://www.bwbainc.homestead.com/BetterBabiesOnline.html |
Send this page to a friend: