Happy Boxing Day! Traditionally, the day after Christmas was when the lord of the manor let his staff have the day off, and gave them year-end presents to share with their families as a thank you for the year of service to his family. Today, Christmas Day is reserved for immediate family, but Boxing Day is a day for gifting to friends, co-workers, employees, and neighbors. It’s a time of sharing and saying thank you.
Here in the U.S., we think of it more as Return Day. Gather what you got for Christmas and can’t wear, don’t like or would never use, and box it up to go back to the store. If you are lucky, you can get what you really wanted on sale and have a few dollars left over.
December 26th is also St. Stephen’s Day – the day named after the first Christian martyr. He was brought into the band of believers to replace Judas, and was stoned to death for proclaiming the Gospel. You might say he gave the ultimate gift, and in giving it away, received an even greater one. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)
What do you do with the gift of mercy and grace that Jesus gives? Do you use it, shelf it, or re-gift it? Do you return it unopened, or share it with others? Do you hold it tightly to your heart, or share it to someone who needs it?
Because His mercies are new every morning, each day is Boxing Day for the believer. And the cool thing is this: the more you give it away the more you receive to give.
What will you do with the gift of Life today?
Have you ever had celery go limp in the fridge? My mother told me years ago to place the stalks in water. If you have been reading this blog a while, you know I find God-messages in everyday life. Today is no exception.
Where Did You Find God Today? 