Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Second Christmas Day/St. Stephen's Day
SHALL WE STILL DREAD
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
We often remember the day of birth, not only for loved ones, but also for heroes and celebrities. In the ancient church it was often the day of people's death that was remembered, especially if their death was as a witness of Jesus Christ, a "martyr." It was the day of their birth into everlasting life.
Although we don't know the exact date of Stephen's execution, recorded in Acts 8, the day after Christmas has long been known as St. Stephen's Day. It is fitting in a number of ways. It was after Jesus' birth that the children of Bethlehem were slaughtered by Herod, so death directly followed the first Christmas, as Satan tried to prevent God's promises from being fulfilled every step of the way. It was also the purpose for which Jesus came into the world: to overcome death and to reconcile mankind to His heavenly Father. At His right hand He would stand to welcome Stephen home.
If we thought that the celebration of Christmas was just a cute children's party, this day can remind us that we are celebrating eternal blessings that reach into our own day also, and that teach us to rely on the Babe of Bethlehem in life and in death. Who will bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies ... through Christ.
Shall we still dread God's displeasure,
Who, to save, Freely gave
His most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, He hath given
His own Son From the throne
Of His might in heaven.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 77:3)
