Today We Remember Saint Stephen
Today’s Christmas Verse:
Acts 7:60 ESV
And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Today on the Church calendar is recognized in memory of Saint Stephen, our faith’s first martyr. Coming a day after we celebrated the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as the child of Mary, Stephen’s story reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and faith.
In Stephen’s final moments, he echoes Jesus' words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). Stephen’s prayer reveals a heart transformed by the gospel, a heart that reflects God’s mercy even in the face of injustice and death.
How is such forgiveness possible? It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, who fills us with Christ's love. Stephen's prayer teaches us that forgiveness is not based on the merit of those who wrong us but on the grace we ourselves have received. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). When we are rooted in this truth, we are empowered to extend grace to others, no matter the cost.
Take a moment to reflect: Is there someone you struggle to forgive? Consider Stephen's example, and ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart. Forgiveness is not condoning sin but entrusting it to God, who is both just and merciful.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy, which cleanses us from all sin. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.