| We've all grown tired of the term, "Christmas is | | | | also the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. |
| coming," surely, so I'm proposing a new one--"Boxing | | | | It's got a really tangible holiday festive feel about it |
| Day is coming." Most people use the former saying as | | | | has Boxing Day. |
| a way of pressing people to finish a task they | | | | But, there's more to it from a spiritual angle. The |
| started in February that remains to be finished in | | | | very act of taking time out to view a distant |
| June. Well, mine's a literal hope. | | | | event--a time not normally thought of this far |
| Boxing Day is all about the relaxation of 'sitting in' and | | | | out--helps the mind engender for the heart feelings |
| reflecting over the day before; all the hype of | | | | of imminent joy and hope, even in the midst of other |
| Christmas Day. This is a hectic day for families where | | | | hurrying activities in our present day. |
| people inevitably travel large distances on the day in | | | | And we mustn't forget hope. Hope buoys our faith |
| order to see each other. For us, there are numerous | | | | and keeps our lives afloat. If we tend to be the ones |
| trips on the day, and provided it's not too hot, these | | | | scooping pails of lapping water out of our boats of |
| trips too allow for some light reflection. | | | | faith from time to time, we'll recognise just how |
| So, what else is it about Boxing Day? Well, there's | | | | important this 'little thing' of hope is. |
| day one of the Boxing Day cricket test from the | | | | This exercise of reflection and day-dreaming: as we |
| Melbourne Cricket Ground to look forward to. There's | | | | can see, it's important; we need to find time for it. |