Christmas isn’t over yet. Many traditions celebrate the 12 days of Christmas (from the 25th to Epiphany on Jan. 6) with today being number two. Some people call this day Boxing Day.
December 26 doesn’t get its due other than the madness of after Christmas sales.
In some countries this day is St Stephen’s Day but many more people celebrate Boxing Day. This tradition started as the day after Christmas was when servants and trades people received their gifts from their bosses called the Christmas box.
The term, Boxing Day, has existed since the Middle Ages though no one knows for sure who it began. One theory is that is referred to the Alms Box found in church to collect money to help the poor.
One tale implies Boxing Day began with Good King Wenceslas. Remember that carol? Here are the first and last verses:
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath’ring winter fuel
In his master’s steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
These lyrics, not written until the 1800s is based on the legend about King Wenceslas, the 10th century Duke of Bohemia, who took a walk on Dec. 26, St, Stephens’ Day and saw a poor many gathering wood in a snowstorm. He was so full of compassion to help the man, the King collected food and carried them in the blizzard to the peasant’s door.
However Boxing Day began it reminds us to give to others, especially those without much.
I am always fascinated by the urge to give at Christmas time. Why can’t that level of compassion be with us all year long?
“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
So hum Good King Wenceslas today, gather up some canned goods for the local food pantry and write a check for a favorite charity. Let’s make 2014 a year of giving every day and keep our Christmas hearts open all year.
How will you give this coming year?
Aw, I had a chance to go to a food pantry yesterday but didn’t. 🙁 I’ve heard of Boxing Day before but had forgotten about it. Thanks Jean for the reminder not only about the day but to make 2014 a year of giving every day. Thanks for the gifts you’ve given me through your encouragement to keep seeking the Lord!
Jean, thank you so much for helping me align my heart with His today. I loved reading about Boxing Day and need to investigate that 12 day span and the liturgy behind it… you’ve got me very curious!
So glad you linked up with Thought-Provoking Thursday today! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. 🙂
I am grateful we have connected, Lyli, May your 2014 be full of blessings.
Thank you, Jean. I so appreciate this. Yes, I want to keep this level of compassion all year long! Bless you!
Jennifer, I thought the info was interesting and know one of my goals in 2014 is to nurture a servant heart.May 2014 be a great year for you!
I have heard of “Boxing Day” but my usually curiosity never got the best of me to look it up. Whether we know the true story or not, you are so right about the way we give at Thanksgiving and Christmas and let the rest of the year be on some ministry’s shoulders. Thanks for the reminder.
I like to buy children’s gloves after each winter season at half price and then save them until the next winter to give to Salvation Army as they have the late night food wagon where they hand our food plus jackets and blankets and mittens. Last year with Mama having just passed away, I forgot about the gloves, so felt bare without them when I took some blankets. I need to remember this year.
May we continue to grow like Christ in ALL we are and do.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
I was the same way with Boxing Day. Heard of it but really didn’t know much. Enjoyed reading about it this year so became a good idea for a blog post. love your idea of buying stuff on sale to give away later. Thanks for stopping by Linda and blessings on your 2014