Page 26 2024 Home For The Holidays Lincoln Daily News Testament book of Acts. Stephen was also known for his good works and described as “a man full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8). He was a deacon in the early church, charged, along with six others, to fairly distribute assistance to widows after concerns about inequitable treatment. A vocal proponent of Christ, Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council in Jerusalem, and falsely accused of blasphemy. His outspoken preaching so incensed the council that he was dragged outside the city and stoned to death while Saul, later to become the Apostle Paul, looked on in approval. The Feast of St. Stephen on December 26 is known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom, which is a public holiday in the UK and most of the Anglophone world. Traditionally Boxing Day was observed by giving gifts to servants, tradespeople, and the poor. John Mason Neale published “Good King Wenceslas” to encourage charitable deeds and gifts following the example of the “righteous king.” Good King Wenceslas, St. Stephen, Boxing Day… the connection should be clear: intentionally giving to those in need, even when the giving comes at personal cost. The second day of Christmas reminds us that after the joy of the birth of Christ, we recall the purpose of Christ’s birth: to give his own life to save humankind from their sins. “Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth,” as another favorite Christmas carol tells us. Saints like Stephen and Wenceslas encourage us to follow them as they follow Christ in the path of charity and sacrifi cial giving. Does sacrifi cial giving sound like too big of an ask? Consider the fi nal stanza of “Good King Wenceslas”: “Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves fi nd blessing.” In Jesus’ words, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). Have a blessed Christmas! [Stephanie Hall] Sources: 1. https://www.umnews.org/en/news/the-real- story-behind-good-king-wenceslas 2. https://hymnary.org/text/good_king_ wenceslas_looked_out
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