The 26th of December is the feast of St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr. You can read about Stephen beginning in Acts 6, where he is described as "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." He was one of the seven men the apostles laid hands upon after they had been chosen to serve widows and others in need.
Stephen was also a teacher, and eventually his preaching angered the temple authorities, so they ordered him to be put to death by stoning. You can read about his preaching and death in Acts 7-8. Stephen was killed in front of an approving Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) and said the most amazing thing while he was being stoned to death: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And Stephen became the first martyr of the church. How's that for "final words."
I am glad we remember Stephen (anad the Holy Innocents - their feast day is Friday) right at the beginning of the 12 days of Christmas - it keeps the nativity scene from getting too sentimental. After all, the baby Jesus didn't stay in that manger forever - he grew up to die, and to live again - to change the world.
Of course, the world doesn't always like the challenge very much. Perhaps those of us who strive to follow Jesus shouldn't be so surprised when, because of our Lord, we are not so popular. May we have the heart of Stephen to forgive even the worst done to us.
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