Sorrow Within the Context of Joy (December 26, St. Stephen)

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The world into which Jesus was born was thickly enveloped with the darkness of violence and wickedness. If we look beyond the joyous circumstances of Christ’s birth, we would see the shades of rejection, hostility, wickedness and violence that also surrounded His birth. We remember that there was no room at the inns in Bethlehem for Mary to give birth to Jesus. We remember that Herod the reigning king of that time wanted to track down the baby Jesus and do away with Him. We remember that Mary and Joseph, together with the baby Jesus the newborn king, had to cover miles as they journeyed far away into Egypt trying to escape the clutches of the bloodthirsty King Herod. With all of these in mind, we will be able to see the connection between the birth of the Savior and the martyrdom of St Stephen.

Stephen suffered martyrdom because he professed Jesus as Lord and Savior. He was filled with grace and power on account of his relationship with Jesus. He spoke with wisdom, and by the power of the the Holy Spirit, he bore witness to Christ. This is the only offense he was guilty of. And all of these happened because he encountered Jesus. And on account of that encounter, he was brutally stoned to death. Someone may ask, “But where was the Savior for whose sake Stephen was killed?” The answer to such a question may be deeper and more perplexing than the question itself.

The reality of the Christian life which we can never run away from is that professing Jesus the newborn king as our Savior and Redeemer does not and can never shield us from the troubles of life, from trials and persecutions. In fact, it would even attract more troubles, pains and flagellations. The wise man, Ben Sirach, has this to say, "My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for ordeals" (Sir. 2:1). Jesus himself added, “You will be hated by all for my NAME’S SAKE. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). The joy of Bethlehem must necessarily lead to the tedious and sorrowful journey to Calvary where our salvation would be ultimately ratified. Just like St Stephen, may we all continue to endure to the end!      
  
Prayer:
As we think about the tough demands of the Christian life, may we be filled with the grace of ENDURANCE as we journey ahead, Amen!

Have a grace-filled day!



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