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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Boxing Day Is Dedicated to St. Stephens

December 26th, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
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St. Stephens was Christianities First Martyr

Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and countries in the Commonwealth of Nations with a mainly Christian population. It has nothing to do with pugilistic competition. Nor is it a day for people to return unwanted Christmas presents.

This day is historically England’s name for St. Stephen’s Day. Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr. St. Stephen was one of the seven original deacons of the Christian Church who were ordained by the Apostles to care for widows and the poor. For the success of his preaching and his devotion to Christ, St. Stephen was stoned to death by a mob in 34-35 A. D. - As he died, he begged God not to punish his killers.

Boxing Day or St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated on December 26. It is also known as he Feast of St. Stephens. It is a day of Goodwill when gifts are given to the less fortunate to honor St, Stephens work among the less fortunate.. In some churches, like the one I grew up within, wrapped boxes are placed to collect coins and checks from anonymous parishioners. Those boxes are opened and the contents apportioned to the less fortunate on the day after Christmas some would also bring wrapped gifts to be distributed anonymously to those in need. Hence the day became known during the middle Ages as Boxing Day.

In addition it is an Anglican tradition to give gifts to tradesmen and others who have helped you during the course of the year.

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