December 26: St. Stephen's Day and Boxing Day

Read Acts 7: 54-8:1
Sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

The day after Christmas is Boxing Day in the British Isles and St. Stephen’s Day on the saints’ calendar. Presents and martyrdom are a strange mix. How can we put these two ideas together? I am reminded that Stephen’s final words as he was being stoned to death were words of forgiveness. He, like Jesus, “cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.” (Acts 7:60) This last act of a dying man was certainly a gift, the gift of all gifts, forgiveness and new life. No longer are we held to the past, condemned, but now we can begin anew. The world received that gift again yesterday, Christmas Day, the day of Jesus’ birth. Our response in gifting others seems reasonable for what else can we do in response to such a great gift.

The idea of Boxing Day apparently began as a time to give back to those who served one throughout the year: the one who cut the grass, cleaned the house, or mended the fence. Just think of all those who provide services for you throughout the year; today we offer them something in return. We also give to those who are without. Much of the joy of Christmastide comes from taking the time to serve the less fortunate. One person’s effort encourages another and another and for a moment joy and peace abound. Giving of ourselves and our bounty, being vulnerable and available to others, and truly enjoying and reveling in the beauty of creation takes us a giant step toward the world God reveals in Jesus.

The cold and limited light of this day in the northern hemisphere reminds us that we are not there yet, but that should not discourage our effort. Stephen knew that evil still was, Jesus was not yet fully known, however in dying he asserted anew that God had already come and had already revealed the true nature of our world. God will not be thwarted. Peace will be. Redemption is real.

My favorite angel in the courtyard of Dublin castle was the one decorated by the association providing care for abused children. The angel’s bright pastel color represents for me the new life each of these children are and will find. The burlap sack drug behind and covered with words like ‘I hate you’ tells of the past being shed. What a wonderful gift to give—shedding the past words of hatefulness, of violence against the innocent, of misuse of power. What a wonderful gift—rebirth marked by dying of painful memories, by acceptance into arms of the loving, by seeing in the
light.

Stephen died proclaiming the redemption that had come into the world. Boxing Day leads us to share with those we often take for granted. Gifting replaces taking. Joy replaces apathy. Light comes in the darkness.

For children from 2 to 92: Reach Out to Your Neighbors
Boxing Day

Let’s recover the original meaning of Boxing Day by serving or gifting those who serve. Think about those that serve you regularly during the year—the clerks at the grocery, those who clean the house, ones who cook your meals, the mail person, the garbage collector, your teacher. Think also of those in your family who also serve. Make a list and think what you can do for each to tell them how much you appreciate them. Remember gifts don’t always have to be bought. A hug, a thank you, a kind word, a note or card can be the expression best given.