2nd Day of Christmas: Herod, King of Jerusalem?

Daily Celebration

Dec 26

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
—From Matthew 2:1–4 (NKJV)

“The people had been waiting so very long. As with their groaning in Egypt, they yearned again for the fulfillment of promise.”

— The Joy of Advent

Reflection

Today is both Saint Stephen’s Day and Boxing Day, depending on tradition. Contrary to popular belief, Boxing Day is not the official day to pack up unwanted Christmas gifts to return to the store. It’s the day tradespeople and servants traditionally received their Christmas Box. A favorite custom in some traditions is the annual Boxing Day open house. Friends are welcome to visit all day for as long as they like, and perhaps even to sample a homemade Plum Pudding.

On St. Stephen’s Day (December 26 or 27 depending on tradition) gifts are given to the poor and those in service positions in honor of the first martyr, St. Stephen. Mummers (folk actors) perform plays that depict good and evil, resurrection, and other timeless Christian themes.

Good King Wenceslas’s story is one that mummers might perform using the folk song by the same name. Wenceslas, a Czech king born in 907, was celebrated throughout the High Middle Ages as a righteous king of great piety. Although his feast day is celebrated in September, many popular legends surround his selfless actions on St. Stephen’s Day as the song titled after him portrays. Consider today, how can your actions or attitudes bless others?

Celebrate Together

Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Delve into the world at the time of of Jesus’s birth, explore the Jesse Tree symbol of Herod’s grand palace, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about your expectations for the Messiah.

Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
**Herod’s Grand Palace** reminds us of his claim to be king of the Jews.

Inspiration

Herod the Great

James Tissot (1836–1902). One man’s lust for power.

Music

This arrangement of What Child Is This visually demonstrates the true cost of the Kingship Herod so desired. [Play Video]

Good King Wenceslas is a fitting counterpart to Herod. [Play Video]

Visit our Joy of Advent YouTube playlist for featured videos, our Ultimate Christmas playlist for all our favorite carols, or our sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style.

Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that, in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of Thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of Thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to Thee, O blessed Jesus, Who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for Thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

(From Household Prayer, From Ancient and Authorized Sources, P. G. Medd, 1864)