December 26, 2022 – Christmas +1 Day

“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

December 26 is Saint Stephen’s Feast Day, also called the Feast of Saint Stephen. On this day Western Christianity commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr or protomartyr (the first martyr for a cause). Eastern Christianity commemorates him December 27.

Being a fan of coffee, it appears to me St. Stephen must 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.

In the book “George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” the 25^th suggestion reads, “Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due, they are not to be neglected.”  (p. 13; number 25; Applewood Books)

Dare we all find the courage to give honor where honor is due – and speak up when our enemies stand in confrontation and opposition to us. For if we do not speak up, who will? St. Stephen had the courage when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. We pray today that the Lord will send the Spirit to fill us every day.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, fill me with your Spirit so I may dare to have the courage to proclaim your name in word and deed. Amen.

Pastor Dave