Boxing Day

When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious.  But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!” The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen  and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.

Readings:

Psalm 40

Acts 7:51, 54-60
Revelation 21:1-6

Reflection

It seems quite strange that the church marks the feast of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr, immediately after, the joy of Christmas day,  yet perhaps it does make sense in a broader sense. Alongside joy is often suffering and, for many, Christmas and the closing of a year marks a time of reflection and remembrance. Celebration or laments may exist alongside each other as both are essential and inevitable parts of our lives. As we advance towards Candlemas and The Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Today may be the end of Christmas for the shops and the start of the sale of Christmas goods but is something altogether different for us. For us, it is just the beginning.
Let us not be “stiff necked people” but let us, amidst the torn wrapping paper, left over mince pies and unwanted gifts remember it is the purposes and will of God that matter. 

Prayer

 

Comforting and restoring God help me again to sing your praise.

Help me to learn from past, embrace the present and hope in the future. Amen