 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Monday, December 26, 2022 Second Day of Christmas “on the feast of Stephen…” What does the feast of Stephen, the first martyr, teach us about Christmas? Well, for one thing, it reminds us that the coming of Jesus into the world was not sweet and uncontroversial – although the mystery of God-who-is-with-us in infant flesh is beautiful and tender. Almost nobody wants their worldview to be upended. Chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles tells how the church grew, and the work of caring for the poor and widowed required the assistance of deacons – first of whom was, “Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” He also did “signs and wonders” among the people, which led to his arrest (verse 8). Having accused him of blasphemy some of the unbelievers “stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes” and hauled him into court. His speech to the high priest is recorded in chapter 7 – an overview of Israelite history in which he accuses them of ignoring the presence of God then – and now. Chapter 7:54ff records the stoning of Stephen – and the note that Paul, (then called Saul,) stood by and approved of their killing him. “That day began a severe persecution against the Church in Jerusalem.” the church was not powerful organization. It was no political or military threat to anybody. But it was a threat to the established social order. Followers of Jesus cared for the sick and the unacceptables – Gentiles, widows and orphans, including those who were “exposed” – unwanted infants. It is popular to trash “organized religion.” There are plenty of Christians who have done exactly the opposite of the early church, hoping to win approval from “empire.” It seems that Governor Abbot of Texas pulled such a publicity stunt on Christmas Eve, the coldest night of the year, dumping busloads of migrants near the home of the Vice President in Washington, DC, with no coats, food, or blankets – let alone a place to stay. Immediately, the church in DC – thankfully organized to step up quickly, provided all of the needed services – with love. And across our nation it has consistently been Christians, Jews and Muslims, members of organized congregations, who have made space to keep the unhoused all across the midwest and the east warm and safe in this unprecedented cold – including here in Polk County. It is not organized religion that is generally destructive, but disorganized, undisciplined and politically opportunistic persons only loosely affiliated with organized religious communities who are dangerous. And Stephen is a good model and mirror for the Church right now. So is Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia in the years 921-935. He is now the patron saint of the Czech Republic and his statue stands in Wenceslas Square in Prague. In 1119, Cosmos of Prague wrote what he had heard all his life about Wenceslas: “Rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and generously gave alms to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted with every difficulty, so much that he was considered, not a prince, but the father of the wretched.” This is why he is remembered – this.  Good King Wenceslas Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the mon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel. “Hither page, and stand by me if thou know’st it, telling Yonder peasant who is he? Where and what his dwelling?” Sire, he lives a good league hence underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence By St Agnes’ fountain.” “Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither Thou and I will see him dine When we bear them thither.” Page and monarch forth they went Forth they went together through the rude wind’s wild lament And the bitter weather. “Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.” “Mark my footsteps, my good page Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Freeze thy blood less coldly. In his master’s steps he trod Where the snow lay dented Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed Therefore Christian, men be sure Wealth or rank possessing Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.”   |
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