2nd Day of Christmas: St Stephen's Day
- Boxing Day?
- The 2nd day of Christmas?
- Or St Stephen’s Day?
It is discomforting to remember the 1st known Christian martyr in the season of ‘comfort and joy’ that is Christmas.At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a baby named Jesus, born to Mary, born to save. But if we stick only with nativity stories, we might forget the baby in the manger grew up. When Jesus grew up and began his good-news mission, some people rejected and others welcomed and followed him.
Stephen followed Jesus. You can read Stephen’s story in the New Testament, Acts Chapters 6 and 7. That tells us Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”, “full of grace and power” who “did great wonders and signs among the people.”
Stephen followed Jesus. You can read Stephen’s story in the New Testament, Acts Chapters 6 and 7. That tells us Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”, “full of grace and power” who “did great wonders and signs among the people.”
Stephen didn’t choose to die a hideous execution. He did choose to be one of Jesus’ witnesses. ‘Martyr’ also means witness. Stephen witnessed to Jesus in word and deed. The early Christians in Jerusalem chose Stephen to administer welfare relief. He cared in practical ways for people in need. He also witnessed by speaking about Jesus. For that he was arrested.
Even the Council who tried him saw in Stephen’s face a look like that of an angel. He spoke the truth about Jesus that those in power didn’t want to hear, so the religious authorities condemned Stephen to death by stoning.
There are consequences to following Jesus. Some are wonderful - finding meaning for life, a new community, an assurance of God’s love, an experience of peace and joy. Some consequences are hard to cope with. Today, in some places, Christians are still killed because of their faith. You may live in a place where you’re unlikely to be stoned to death, or otherwise physically persecuted because you’re a Christian. In which case, thank God. But If you are a Christian, not everyone will be supportive of your faith and some may be hostile. When people bear witness to Jesus, serve others for Christ’s sake, or speak up for the truth as Stephen did, a reaction comes that can hurt.
Thank God for Christmas and the baby in the manger. But just as you can’t keep a child a baby for ever, so we can’t let our faith stop at the Bethlehem manger. To grow in Christian faith requires taking what Jesus offers and teaches seriously, welcoming him into every aspect of our lives, in wholehearted commitment. There’s great joy in that and also a cost to be counted.
There are consequences to following Jesus. Some are wonderful - finding meaning for life, a new community, an assurance of God’s love, an experience of peace and joy. Some consequences are hard to cope with. Today, in some places, Christians are still killed because of their faith. You may live in a place where you’re unlikely to be stoned to death, or otherwise physically persecuted because you’re a Christian. In which case, thank God. But If you are a Christian, not everyone will be supportive of your faith and some may be hostile. When people bear witness to Jesus, serve others for Christ’s sake, or speak up for the truth as Stephen did, a reaction comes that can hurt.
Thank God for Christmas and the baby in the manger. But just as you can’t keep a child a baby for ever, so we can’t let our faith stop at the Bethlehem manger. To grow in Christian faith requires taking what Jesus offers and teaches seriously, welcoming him into every aspect of our lives, in wholehearted commitment. There’s great joy in that and also a cost to be counted.
This morning @billbraviner tweeted this prayer for St Stephen's Day on Twitter.
You humbled yourselfto be born as one of us, Lord;stooping to earth,to lift us to you.Give us grace, like Stephen,to offer ourselves in your service;to be so filled with your lovethat we overflow to all around us;to love and prayeven for those who hurt us.
May you have a grace-full St Stephen’s Day.
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