Following this, they selected Stephen
who was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit…”
From Acts of the Apostles 6:5
I normally enjoy the day after Christmas. What a gift this is! By this time, our Christmas preparations have come to fruition in one way or another. This year, I’m particularly grateful for this day on which we begin the count to Christmas 2021! I feel quite certain that we will have much to celebrate next Christmas!
In the mean time, I ponder the past two days and I give thanks. Many enjoyed Christmas because of the selfless adherence of others to mask-wearing, social distancing and handwashing. Many others welcome the New Year because of the ongoing efforts of first responders and healthcare workers. For all of these generous efforts, I give thanks. In gratitude, I will do my best to add my own positive efforts to the mix as generously as possible. I’ll also pray for all concerned.
Perhaps we all need to extend the Christmas Season for as long as possible this year. We can do this by being the best we can be. On this Feast of St. Stephen, I’ll strive to be as good and just a soul as Stephen was. Like the good Stephen, I will try to take all that God’s love means to this world to heart and to share that love at every opportunity. In the process, I may just bring a bit of Christmas to each of the 364 days until Christmas 2021.
Dear God, thank you for the gifts of Christmas 2020 and for the gift of the first Christmas. Your love has truly changed all of our lives and this world forever!
©2020 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved