Witnessing: the first fruit of Christmas

Saint Stephen, the first Martyr

Matthew 10:17-22

Stephen became the first martyr after the ascension of Jesus.  The sea of martyrs started growing.

In the gospel, Jesus assures us not to worry because it is his spirit guiding us as we give witness amidst the trials and adversities of life.

A day after Christmas and we heard the Christians such as Stephen sacrificing their lives for Christ.  How do we celebrate the Christmas season?

Christmas is simply giving witness to the words and actions of Jesus as he saves us.  This involves an on-going process of getting to know him and how he carries out his plan of salvation.  Being born in a stable is part of that plan.  Jesus wishes to save not only in a spiritual way, but encompassing every human reality, including the ugliest, the most dreadful, and acceptable.

Second is how Christmas affects our lives.  It should affect us in the same way Stephen was affected by the power of the gospel of Jesus.  When the Jews were uttering words against Jesus, Stephen was saying the opposite.  He was a catalyst.  And he stayed that way till the end of his life.  He gave witness to Christ.  Our capacity to give witness depends on the depth of our knowledge and love for Jesus.

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