THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE FEAST OF STEPHEN..............

The second day of Christmas is the Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon of the Church, who is the First Christian Martyr.  Stephen, one of the initial Disciples commissioned by the Apostles to assist them in caring tor the poor and the needy, was a strong spokesperson in advocating for the less fortunate. his fervency in bearing Faithful Witness to Christ the Savior was so immense it seriously riled the Jewish authorities who charged him with blasphemy, and put him on trial before the Sanhedrin and he was sentenced to death by stoning.  Stephen's compassion and forgiveness for his persecutors, as they were killing him, is an outstanding example of unconditional Discipleship in Jesus the Lord. caused to sacrifice himself for professing and practicing his Christian Faith also denotes the reality of Suffering being a component of being a Believer in, and Follower of, the Messiah of God's People. Yet, it also underscores the Blessings to be granted to those who suffer and are martyrs for Christ, as God grants them Everlasting Life.  As we continue our celebration of the Holy Birth of the Christ Child lift yourself up in a Prayer of Thanksgiving and Gratitude to the Divine, for the Salvation gained for us by the Redeemer of Humankind, in whom St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, placed his consummate faith, hope, and love, resulting in his sacrificial death...A continued Holy and Happy Christmas Season..............fr,tdp