Live the Gospel
Merry Christmas! What a gift we have in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas brings us together with our Savior and with each other. As such, we are called to witness to others as Christians, giving ourselves as gift to others just as the Christ child gave himself to each of us. But how do we accomplish this?
On this day after Christmas, the Church offers a template in St. Stephen, and his example is sobering. Stephen appears in Acts 6 when the Church called the first deacons. He boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ and brought many to the faith. He was so filled with the Spirit that “his face was like the face of an angel.”
Stephen knew Scripture and was willing to share it and even suffer the consequences that came with being called a follower of Christ. He forgave his persecutors and called out to God to receive him. Acts chapter 7 shows how he was willing to stand up for his faith.
So here is the question for us: Are we in it for the glass of wine near the fireplace? Do we call ourselves Christians so we can have a tree with lights and exchange gifts with loved ones? Or are you and I willing to really celebrate Christmas by being Christians who bring glad tidings to the poor and proclaim the gospel even when it’s uncomfortable and may cost us dearly.
St. Stephen will intercede on your behalf and help you to be so overwhelmed with the love of Christ that you too will have the face of an angel. Celebrate the gift that you were given yesterday. Live like there is no tomorrow.
Deacon Kevin Sartorius serves as CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma.