Saint Stephen
On this second day of Christmas rather than talk about two turtledoves, I will instead turn to the first martyr of the Church. St. Stephen was one of the first men chosen to serve as a deacon in the Church and one who exemplified preaching the Gospel in both word and action. His good works, his preaching and is martyrdom are described for us in the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
It is fitting that we celebrate the second day of Christmas by honoring the first Christian to be born by martyrdom into new life. St. Stephen is one of the first followers of Christ to embrace the cross so as to both reveal the true nature of sin in the world, as well as the power of forgiveness and love that comes through it. He knew well that the embracing the cross comes with the power to overcome sin and death. His words at his death, mirror the ones of Christ spoken on the cross.
They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
Christmas is a time when we are called to follow the example of the first martyrs by giving witness to Christ, both by our life and our death. Christ is born! Glorify Him!
About The Author
Since coming back to the Church, I always make Mass on St. Stephen’s Day (St. Wenceslaus approves, I think!).
Not only does it instill a dose of hard reality into what it means to pick up one’s cross & follow Jesus after a couple of months of Santas, reindeer, snowmen, & the like, but going to church the day after Christmas (instead of, say, to the mall to score some deals) drives home the point home that the season of Christmas only begins on Christmas.
Have a very Merry Christmas, Father!