A ‘Thought for the Day’ for Black Cat Radio
Merry Christmas!
It may not have been the Christmas Day you were hoping for or expecting but I hope it was as good as it could be.
Now we’re on Boxing Day and you might wonder what that name is all about.
As it happens it has nothing to do with fighting or clearing up opened boxes. No-one’s exactly sure what it means but there are a few theories.
One idea is that it comes from the tradition of giving to the poor on St Stephen’s Day, which is the 26th December. This tradition started because St Stephen was not only Christianity’s first martyr but also known for being generous to the poor.
Another idea is that it comes from people seeking out boxes, or tips, from rich people they’d worked for during the year.
And a final idea is that it comes from servants being given the day off to celebrate Christmas after having to work on Christmas Day.
Now of course it’s connected with turkey sandwiches, sports and sales.
Whatever the reason for the name Boxing Day, though, and however we spend it, it really doesn’t mean the end of Christmas. In fact, in the church’s year it’s only day 2 of the twelve days of the Christmas season. But, even without that, there’s no reason why we can’t try to keep some of the Christmas spirit of giving, hope and togetherness alive all year round.
After all, the Christmas message isn’t just about making one day different but about making all days different, all year round.
So, Happy Boxing Day and best wishes for the New Year!
Mel
