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Good morning

Those were probably the words of Good King Wenceslas, as he looked out – on this very day – on the feast of Stephen. Today is St Stephen’s day, as the carol tells us, when the snow lies all deep and crisp and even.

As the carol tells us this good King not only looked out but he went out, bringing both food and fuel to the poor. One theory suggests that it’s because of this habit, that St Stephen’s day is known as Boxing Day. The day when food is boxed up and alms boxes are shared, so as to give whatever we can spare and share to those in need.

There are many in our society who are forced to choose between food and fuel this winter, as well as plenty of people who have neither. Thankfully there are just as many who, recognising that they have plenty, have shared what they have with incredible generosity. Some of the charities that feed the homeless report record numbers of volunteers.  A food bank I know has been swamped with gifts of food to share. The Radio 4 St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas appeal, a community where I have links, reports the highest ever level of giving.  It’s impressive, to realise how times of serious economic hardship are also times of phenomenal personal generosity.

Generous God, this Boxing Day, we ask you to open our eyes and our hearts, to discover afresh what we might share and with whom we might share it. Nurture in each of us the goodness of Good King Wenceslas – so that those who are hungry may find food, and those who are cold may find warmth. And all of us may find joy in sharing together what you first shared with us. Amen.