Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr.
Today's readings are Psalm 34:4-10, 19, Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16, and Matthew 1:18-25.
In our readings today I especially want to point out Isaiah 50:5-7. This Messianic prophecy points right past the incarnation to the day of the crucifixion. At the very same time that we are celebrating the birth of Christ on this second day of Christmas, we also celebrate Jesus' first martyr, Stephen, who gave his life for Jesus after the resurrection. Today in our Gospel reading we see Jesus called Immanuel, God with us. We see that this baby to be born is coming to save his people from sins. And we know that he has done this for all peoples (Isaiah 51:4-5).
God's work to redeem the world to himself in the person and work of God the Son, Jesus, is not limited to a little celebration about a sweet baby in a manger and a big celebration about a lot of presents we can give each other. This is the time to look to Christ the King, the one who has come to turn this sinful world upside down. Let us look to him in faith and love.
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