Boxing Day..................

Traditionally the Alms boxes were opened to give to the poor. In the days when the royals or the elite would feast on Christmas Day the leftovers were given next day to those in need and to the servants. Cast off , food or anything of any worth was handed down. In later years the day became a time when gifts for trades people or servants were given. In England it is a National Holiday along with Christmas Day. It is one of the things I miss here in the States. It's very convenient to have a two day holiday that can be shared between sets of parents/inlaws. Christmas became two days of feasting and visiting family and friends. The Feast of St Stephan (Boxing Day) .............
St. Stephen was martyred in Jerusalem about the year 35. He is considered both the first Christian martyr and one of the first deacons of the Christian Church.
All that we know of the life, trial, and death of St. Stephen, is found in the Book of Acts, Chapters 6 and 7. In the long chronicle of Christian martyrs, the story of Stephen stands out as one of the most moving and memorable.



Good King Wenceslas............
by John Mason Neale and published in 1853,

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

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

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