Wehave just come through the first night of the 12 days of Christmas, which beganon the evening of Christmas Day, Dec. 25 and concludes on Epiphany, Jan.5. It is noteworthy to consider that for many cultures that celebrateChristmas, the season starts on Christmas Eve and continues through the twelfthnight. The decorating was done on Christmas Eve and the presents are giventhroughout the 12 days. The entries here for the next 12 days are not so muchabout extending the holiday season as asking us to consider making theseason simply a more focused, more concentrated, and perhaps a moreChrist-centered, Christ-like 12 day season.

December26 is, in many lands related to the British Empire,called Boxing Day which we will take up on Monday. But today I want tolift up December 26 as the feast of St. Stephen. (In the EasternChurch the feast is celebrated on December 27 on the Gregorian or westerncalendar) which is Jan 9

Youmay remember the carol that starts: "Good King Wenceslaus looked out, on theFeast of Stephen." This carol is about a popular ruler who cares for the poor.He goes out on this day in his bare feet and with one page. The carol isbased on life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, (907-935). It ends:"Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now willbless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing." Is there a theme here?

Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, tho'the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ringwinter fuel.
"Hither, page and stand by me, if thou know'stit, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind'swild lament and the bitter weather.
"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, good my page. Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter'srage freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master'ssteps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing