December 26, 2016 – Christmas + 1
St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.” When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.” Acts 7:51-60

On this date in 1865 an improved coffee percolator (see drawing) was patented by James H. Nason. I am sure today is important for any number of reasons, but for me no other invention has brought as much joy and warm, beverage enjoyment. So perhaps on the universal scale of great scientists and innovators he doesn’t rate up there with some of our more profound thinkers, but to me his invention was pure genius.

In my opinion, St. Stephen seems to have had just one too many coffees that day when he took on the members of the Synagogue. But, of course it was not the caffeine that spurred on his response, it was his faith bolstered by the Holy Spirit. Even knowing he might face his own death, Stephen spoke the truth bravely in the face of his adversaries. This is why he is remembered, and this is why this martyr is sainted. Dare we all find the courage to speak up when our enemies stand in confrontation and opposition to us – for if we do not speak up, who will? This week I will lift up some individuals who dared to share their faith in the face of opposition, who shared their faith in the face of danger, and who put into writing the story of Jesus for generations to read and to share.

Pastor Dave