December 27, 2022 – Christmas +2 Days

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14

The Church celebrates the Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist on December 27. Born in Bethsaida, he was called to follow Jesus while he was mending his nets. Many believe John was the beloved disciple of Jesus. Tradition suggests he wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and possibly (but doubtfully) the Apocalypse (we call Revelation). His passages on the pre-existence of the Word, where Jesus called himself the light of the world and the resurrection and the life, are among the finest of the New Testament.

“Be no flatterer; neither play with any that delights not to be played with.” (George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation; number 17; p. 12, Applewood Books”)

St. John was a Gospel writer. His Gospel is so different from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). John reminds us that Jesus, the Word made flesh, was existent, even pre-existent since the beginning of everything. It is the manner in which John shares his understanding of the Word that separates his Gospel from the others. By connecting Jesus to the Genesis text and the beginning of all things, John helps us remember that Jesus was not made or begot from G-d – Jesus existed along with G-d and the Holy Spirit as the Trinity before the creation of everything. It is a theological concept that would take until the fourth century to become fully understood.

Today the church remembers one of the greatest and most profound writers of the life and times of Jesus. And because it is so different from the Synoptic Gospels, it is a wonderful witness to the high Christology of first century thinking and teaching.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, we are grateful for witnesses like St. John. Help me to remember to read your word every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

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