In just a few days it will be time to hang up our 2022 calendars. I recall how, as a kid, I would eagerly examine each calendar we received from local businesses. First, I would look in awe at the beautiful pictures of places I had never visited. Once I got to the last page, I would go back, and this time through, check out what holidays occurred in a given month.
When I got to the page for December, I always wondered what in the world Boxing Day was. In my mind I pictured wrestlers sparring in an annual match on December 26.
I have since learned that Boxing Day has nothing to do with fighting in a show ring!
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Boxing Day is most commonly observed in countries formerly under British influence. It may be connected with the practice of Christian churches collecting donations (placed in an alms box) for the poor throughout the year, and then on the day after Christmas, distributing boxes of food and gifts purchased with the money from the alms boxes.
To my knowledge, Boxing Day has never been a significant holiday in the United States. But as I think about its original purpose—to give to the needy—I can’t help but wonder this. Isn’t that what the first Christmas was all about? Jesus came to earth because ALL of us are spiritually needy.
Jesus desires to meet the needs of our hearts. We can be assured that what He gives is better than anything that comes in a box!
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30, King James Version <> <> <>
Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
(Written by Joseph Hart, 1779)
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
full of pity, love, and power.
Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
true belief and true repentance,
ev’ry grace that brings you nigh.
Let not conscience make you linger,
nor of fitness fondly dream;
all the fitness he requireth
is to feel your need of him.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
lost and ruined by the fall;
if you tarry till you’re better,
you will never come at all.
I will rise and go to Jesus!
He will save me from my sin.
By the riches of his merit,
there is joy and life in him.
Giving credit where credit is due:
wikipedia.org
hymnary.org
