Today on the Calendar of Saints of the Episcopal Church we commemorate St. Boniface of Germany (680 – 754).
St. Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans, was an 8th Century Englishman originally named Wynfryth (or Winfrid). He was born in the kingdom of Wessex, possibly at Crediton (now in Devon, England) or Nursling. He was appointed a missionary to propagate Christianity in the Frankish Empire. He became the first archbishop of Mainz and is considered the patron saint of Germany. He was killed in Frisia in 754 and his tomb is in the crypt of Fulda Cathedral.
Some traditions credit St. Boniface with the invention of the Christmas tree. In a stage-managed confrontation with the old gods and local heathen tribes Boniface chopped down the Oak of Thor at Geismar. A fir tree growing in the roots of the Oak was claimed by Boniface as a new symbol: “This humble tree’s wood is used to build your homes: let Christ be at the center of your households. Its leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days: let Christ be your constant light. Its boughs reach out to embrace and its top points to heaven: let Christ be your Comfort and Guide.” It is worth noing, however, that this account is completely legendary and probably dates from the later Middle Ages.
The collect appointed for commemoration of St. Boniface is our daily prayer note today.