Canada enjoys the day after Christmas as a legal holiday. December 26th is Boxing Day! The origin of this holiday is a little obscure. However, it is also known as the Feast of Steven! He was the first martyr mentioned in the scriptures. This day originated in England in the middle of the 19th century. It was a day for members of the middle class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing and/or money to trades people and servants. These gifts were expression of gratitude. These gifts were usually given in boxes, hence the name of the holiday; boxing day! Also related to boxing day is the tradition of churches giving gifts of money and/or food to the poor, the day after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is still a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth nations. It is mostly a time for family and friends to gather for more food and fun. It includes outdoor sports like soccer, hunting and horse races. I believe the tradition of giving has been celebrated throughout the Christmas season with many organizations keeping the idea of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy and money to fill Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor. Not to mention, that it is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in Canada. I would imagine that most don’t even know that it originated as ‘Boxing Day’!
Jesus and His family experienced a sort of boxing day when the Angel came and told Joseph that they must go into Egypt. Like many who would leave their home and not want to be noticed, they moved out in the middle of the night. Their departure was quiet and their sojourn in Egypt was long. No one knows if they stayed any longer than one night in the stable but the scriptures indicate that they lived in Bethlehem for several years.
As glorious as His birth was and how wonderful Christmas is, how just as devastating were the times following His birth. Wicked King Herod, so jealous and a man of rage determined to destroy anyone who by mere mention could take away his kingdom, set out to kill the baby Jesus. By now Jesus could be a toddler! King Herod not knowing how old the child was, determined to kill all baby boys two years old and younger. How ugly a man was he!
Lots of discussion has been held about where the wise men found Jesus and His parents. Was it in Bethlehem at the stable or a house? Was it at a house in Egypt? I am inclined to think it was in Bethlehem because the star led them there. Because their gifts would have enabled them to move and live in Egypt, Bethlehem seems more likely. How precious those gifts must have been to such a couple in dire straights. Just imagine, Mary and Joseph experiencing the first Boxing Day! The first gifts of gratitude! Think about it! Having traveled well over 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Finding no room at the Inn. They stayed in a stable. Unable to return home until long after Mary had completed her days and then couldn't return for a long time.
All things come to pass as God allows! I am sure God did not dictate the killing of the baby boys because God would not have controlled the heart of Herod. However, God led the wise men to their destination in spite of Herod. The visit and their gifts were so important to sustain them! How gloriously and wondrously did God come to earth in the form of a man child! How magnificently and miraculously did the events unfold in the lives of two people that were chosen by God to be His parents on earth. Can you think of anything more awesome? Of course you can; His death, burial and resurrection? Hallelujah! Amen! Jane Ann
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment