Looking out on the Feast of Stephen

by Jonathan van Bilsen

Last week, I wrote about Good King Wenceslaus (who was not really a king) and the first line refers to the Feast of Stephen. The question is, who was Stephen and why did he have a feast day named after him?

Saint Stephen was a figure revered as the first Christian martyr. Celebrated on December 26th, in the Western Christian tradition, this day honours a man whose unwavering faith and commitment to his beliefs led to his ultimate sacrifice.

Stephen’s story unfolds in the early days of the Christian Church, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. He was one of seven deacons chosen to assist the apostles, tasked with ensuring the fair distribution of food and aid to the widows and the poor. Stephen stood out for his profound faith and ability to share his beliefs eloquently which attracted admiration but also provoked hostility.

Stephen’s teachings and his refusal to waver from his convictions led to accusations of blasphemy from entrenched religious authorities. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, where he delivered a passionate speech, recounting the history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ. His words were bold, calling out hypocrisy and challenging those who resisted the new faith in Christ. This incited anger, and he was dragged outside the city of Jerusalem and stoned to death.

As he faced his attackers, Stephen demonstrated remarkable composure and forgiveness. According to the account, he prayed, openly, for his executioners, asking God not to hold their actions against them. This act of mercy and his vision of Christ at the right hand of God, during his final moments, have made him a powerful symbol of courage, devotion and peace.

The Feast of Stephen serves as a reminder of his legacy. It is a day to reflect on acts of selflessness and care for others, resonating with the Spirit of giving, often associated with the Christmas season. In many countries, the day has become linked with charitable traditions, like distributing food or helping those in need. This practice aligns with Stephen’s role as a deacon, who championed compassion for the less fortunate.

In addition to its religious significance, the Feast of Stephen holds a place in popular culture, famously mentioned in the carol ‘Good King Wenceslaus’. The song reflects the charitable spirit of the day, echoing the values Stephen exemplified, during his life and in his passing. His story continues to inspire those who seek to make a positive impact through kindness and faith.

Makes you want to start singing. Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website and YouTube and follow his adventures at photosNtravel.com