Neville Turley

Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.  Matthew 7:12 (GNT)

In all Christian and some secular countries, the day after Christmas is a public holiday. In many Commonwealth countries it is known as Boxing day. There are differing explanations for the origin of that name.

Some believe it dates back to the time of Queen Victoria.  In those days it was customary for servants in households to work on Christmas day and be given the next day off.  The leftovers from the Christmas feasting would be placed in boxes and be given to them to share with their families. Tradesmen would also call at their clients households the day after Christmas and be given gifts in appreciation for the services they had rendered during the year.

Others believe that the tradition stems back to when spectators at the Roman games put money in boxes to show their appreciation of the athletes. The money would then be shared out among the athletes.

The Romans introduced the custom of collection boxes when they invaded Britain. The clergy there, took up the idea and placed boxes in Churches to collect money for the poor in the parish. These boxes were opened the day after Christmas and distributed to the needy. 

Christian boxes, Roman boxes and poor boxes all had one thing in common.  They were tokens of gratitude, expressed by persons of good will towards others.  However, acts of appreciation do not have to be expressed in monetary terms. 

In 1994 the name of our public holiday was changed from Boxing Day to the Day of Goodwill. Maybe it’s time to live up to the new name.

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us how to do so.  “Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

That is the golden rule our Lord Jesus Christ gave us to live by.  It’s a teaching that has not tarnished over 2 000 years and it never will.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, enable me to reflect the golden rule in my conduct towards others. For Jesus sake.  Amen