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The Epiphany, Care And Love
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.
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 families outside the United States begin the celebration of Epiphany by thinking of others on St. Stephens Day. December 26 is St. Stephen’s Day, in honor of Stephen the first martyr of the Christian faith. Family Bible reading on December 26 might include his story in Acts 6, 7, & 8.
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.
Along with your family, it’s nice to also find a needy family or support group to render services the day after Christmas. When most people are out shopping, you show that you care by bringing food or gifts to an impoverished family.
In Britain and Canada, this day is called Boxing Day, an official holiday in Britain. When my kids first heard of Boxing Day, they thought it was a celebration of those who box as a sport. They were surprised at the true meaning of Boxing Day.
On this day boxes of food are to be delivered to the needy, and in days gone by were given to servants from their employers. The spirit of Wenceslaus is demonstrated so that the entire community may celebrate with joy 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.