One event that is closely associated with Christmas is
Boxing Day, which is the second day of Xmas. It is also observed as a public
holiday. But what is Boxing Day? Different stories seem to surround its origin.
One school of thought conceived it as being rooted in the old British Culture
and practices of the wealthy which has to do with giving of gifts of money and
material things especially to the less privileged.
Another school of thought has it that, during the age of
exploration, a Xmas box was placed on each ship as a good luck device for the
sailing ship. It was placed there by a priest, the crew men who wanted to
ensure safe return dropped money into the box. The priests picked it up upon
safe return and kept it till Xmas when the content was shared with the poor on
the second day of Xmas.
Yet another story has it that, an Alms box was placed in
every church on Xmas day, into which worshipers placed a gift for the poor of
the parish. These boxes were always opened the day after Xmas, which was why
that day was tagged Boxing day. Still, some people are of the opinion that many
poorly paid workers were requested to work on Christmas day and took the
following day off to visit their families. As they prepare to leave, their
employers would present them with gifts kept in Xmas boxes.
However, a fundamental subject runs through all the stories,
that is: gifts were given and received. Boxing Day is therefore a message of
giving and receiving. There can be no survival without giving and receiving because
life itself is a gift from God to man. Today, prepare something good to offer
people, let this be your lifestyle forever. Whatever you give may leave your
hands but does not leave your life. It will come back someday. Have a memorable
Boxing Day.
Until you reach
out, you cannot be reached.
Daily Message
