The man behind the holiday

Often ancient holidays will lose their original meaning for one reason or another. This is what has happened to St. Patrick’s Day. Most just associate it with shamrocks, green beer and leprechauns. This being near St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d tell you the man behind the holiday.

Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. When he was a teen, his village was raided by the Irish and he was taken captive for six years during which time he was forced to work as a shepherd. Alone in the abandoned hills, he turned to God for comfort and developed a rich, deep relationship with Christ.

Patrick managed to escape back to Britain, but God soon called him back to Ireland, where for 30 years he preached the Gospel. By the time of his death, he’d baptized tens of thousands and started hundreds of churches.

March 17 was the day of his death; I hope you now understand why we celebrate this holiday and will turn your eyes to the one, Jesus Christ, that St. Patrick invested his life in proclaiming to the Irish.

BRADY SMITH

Sagle