Today is Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. We give thanks to Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness yet another holiday season. Let’s face it, we are not better than those that are no more with us today; we only bask in the glory of the Almighty. And in the spirit of that glory, it’s essential to pay forward our individual blessings and spread the joy this holiday and as I believe we could always do every day. As we all know, Boxing Day got its name from the Christmas boxes of gifts left outside specifically for the needy in the society. It could be said that it was a reminder that for anyone that could feed him/herself today, there are others that it is a challenge to put food on their tables. Wikipedia aptly explains Boxing Day better this way: Boxing Day is a holiday traditionally celebrated the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts, known as a Christmas box, from their bosses or employers. “The European tradition, which has long included giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown. It is believed to be in reference to the Alms Box placed in places of worship to collect donations to the poor. Also, it may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era, wherein metal boxes placed outside churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which in the Western Church falls on the same day as Boxing Day. Thus, the main essence of Boxing Day is GIVING; giving to the needy after the celebrations of the day before when what was left over was given out. Alms in the forms of money and/or food, unwanted but useful gifts, etc were collected and gathered and shared to those in need; those without and within the community. In the spirit of this noble act of empathy, I believe we could all challenge ourselves on a mission to go out and give out from our humble blessings to next person that may not have the means. A single pack of Indomie noodle isnt too small, and a bag of rice isnt too big. No amount of money is too small or too big to bring smile to the face of another person and joy unto the hearts of others. This challenge isnt a competition of who gives the highest or the lowest per se. It’s just my humble opinion that I really want to share with you with an inner conviction that we could all reach into the depth of our consciences to do something noble with the milk of kindness therein. This challenge may not build new school or pay rent, but it may lift a fellow Nigerian in difficulty at the moment but in whose destiny lays a better and a prosperous Nigeria tomorrow. Through this, maybe we could touch the hearts of those that would lift this nation, and maybe someday, this may turn to our culture of lifting each other and truly being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers all the time like the way we were once upon a time. They say, a rising tide lifts all boats. So, please, if you’re reading this, kindly share this message with others and let’s see how far and how much we could honestly touch our hearts to spread the joy around our communities, our states and Nigeria this holiday and beyond. Please, remember that GIVING is the spirit of this season. God bless you. Happy holidays.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:56:00 +0000
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