Merry Christmas! Now watch a guy get stoned to death. St. Stephen's Day (Dec 26) is a shock to the system.
The First Deacon
Stephen was one of the first 7 deacons ordained to serve the poor. He was a powerhouse preacher. The Sanhedrin couldn't out-debate him, so they framed him for blasphemy.
The Vision
At his trial, he looked up and said: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Usually Jesus sits. He stood to welcome his first martyr). They dragged him out and stoned him. Saul (the future St. Paul) held the coats.
Why Today?
To remind us that the wood of the Manger leads to the wood of the Cross. Jesus was born to die. If we follow Him, we must be ready to die too.
Pray for brave deacons. MyPrayerTower app.