Saint Stephen, The First Martyr (Feast)
Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. (Matthew 10:19)
Does a trained ballerina worry about whether she will lose her balance as she pirouettes? No. One of the first things a dancer learns is to pick a focal point. If she keeps her eyes fixed on it, she can keep from getting dizzy no matter how many times she spins. Does a seasoned public speaker tremble when he steps on stage before a large audience? No. He fixes his attention on a few listeners and returns his gaze to them whenever he needs to refocus.
This is also Stephen’s experience. When his accusers drag him before the Sanhedrin, he doesn’t prepare a defense. He simply keeps his focus on Jesus and bears witness to the truth without worrying about what his audience does or doesn’t want to hear. Instead of being deterred by their furious death threats, Stephen keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus. His reward is to see “the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,” arms outstretched to welcome this first fearless witness into heaven (Acts 7:55).
It’s easy for us to lose our focus. For instance, we can all be prone to a little post-holiday letdown. Perhaps it was a lonely time, or perhaps we are keenly aware of a recent loss. Perhaps those who gathered didn’t get along, or one of the gifts we gave or received wasn’t quite right. Even if things went just fine, the end of frenzied preparations and elaborate celebrations can leave us deflated.
How quickly we forget about the miracle of Jesus’ coming to us! How quickly we can go back to business as usual and risk missing out on the special grace God wants to give us!
If something like this has happened to you, follow Stephen’s example, and sharpen your focus. Jesus has come to be with you. He is not just a baby in a manger. He is also the Lord of heaven and earth, and he stands before you right now, his arms open wide, ready to embrace you. Nothing is outside of his power to heal or comfort or restore. Nothing is outside his power and his love for you.
“St. Stephen, pray for me! I want to learn to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.”
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
Daily Marriage Tip for December 26, 2015:
Don't take down those decorations yet! The Christmas season has only just begun. So keep playing Christmas music and rejoicing with your family at our Savior's birth.