A lot of folks are so focused with celebrating Christmas, they forget the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany is the time after Christ's birth when the Three Wise Men journeyed to visit the Child Jesus. In times past, this holiday includes the twelve days after Christmas when the church celebrates the announcement of Christ as the Light of the world and to look back at the pilgrimage of the magi.
Many people not from the United States start the Epiphany celebrations by caring for others on St. Stephen's Day. St. Stephen's day is on December 26, in honor of Stephen, considered the the first martyr of Christianity. In Acts 6-8, his story might be included during family bible readings on December 26.
Stephen was stoned to death because of his beliefs about the revelation of Christ in the world. In the Book of Acts, he was known as the the first martyr of Christianity. For hundreds of years, Christians have remembered his strong devotion on December 26. It is a time to show unselfish love and care for the helpless, the unwanted, and the unvalued.
With your family, you might go out and help a needy family or join a local charity group to render services on the day after Christmas. During this time most families are out shopping and going after Christmas sales. You can make a difference in your community by bringing food boxes or presents to a family in need.
In places like Great Britain and Canada, this day is known as Boxing Day, a holiday in those countries. When my children first came across Boxing Day, they thought it was a boxing sport celebration. The true meaning of Boxing Day was a shock to them.
On this day,food boxes are delivered to the ones in need. In the past these were given to workers from their masters. The spirit of Wenceslaus is shown so that the whole community may join in and celebrate the manifestation of the Good News of Christ's birth.
Churches usually organize Boxing Day to specifically serve the physical and spiritual needs of their fellow men and thus show that Word of God requires good deeds to your neighbors. Boxing Day is one of those days where you can see these good acts being done.
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© Kerry Beck, 2007
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Kerry Beck wants to give you a special Advent Countdown to use in your Christmas & Advent celebration this year. Her package will also includes special Advent activities.
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