The Christmas season which is celebrated in the Church from the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord (December 25) until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is characterized by joy and festivities of various sorts. In particular the music of this time is some of the most well known throughout the world. Various melodies have been adapted and words inserted depending on various languages and customs, but regardless, the musical traditions are among the most well known.
Take for example the English carol Good King Wesceslaus. According to one source, the words to this carol were composed in 1853 but the music has been in existence since the sixteenth century. The carol in question refers to the Feast of Saint Stephen, a deacon in the early Church who is believed to be the first Martyr. Stephen is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.
According to the account written in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles and the early Christians appointed 7 deacons to attend to such things as the distribution of aid to elderly widows. Probably a Hellenist himself, Stephen was well known for his oratory skills. In fact the account of his martyrdom speaks of the fact that even as he was being stoned as punishment for apparently having spoken out against the Sanhedrin, for blasphemy against Moses and for speaking out against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14), he continued to teach about Jesus and the Gospel he had come to proclaim.
The first evidence of Saint Stephen being venerated in the Church dates back to the fifth century. The first mention of veneration of the Tomb of Saint Stephen appears in 415 AD. When Christian pilgrims were traveling in large numbers to Jerusalem, a priest by the name of Lucian apparently reported knowledge of Stephen's tomb existing somewhere north of Jerusalem.
In some parts of the world, Saint Stephen's Day is a public holiday but it continues to be an observance of one of the oldest recognized days consecrated to the memory of one of our own who dedicated his life to the service of the Church, to helping the poor and the abandoned of his time. The mission of the Church continues even today, and is perhaps nowhere more recognized than when we concentrate on the needs of the less fortunate among us.
As we give thanks today for the abundant blessings that are ours, let us not forget that the fortune we have is indeed very rare, and that there are many this day who still seek the most basic of comforts, the welcome and warmth which can be called home, and the acceptance of others who truly love us and who share a part of their story of faith with us.
1 comment:
You mentioned how music is so much a part of our celebrations. Music has quite an impact on my thoughts and feelings. All of the music at the Christmas Masses was so beautiful! I think my favourite was "Mary Did You Know?" at the 10 am Mass. Those ladies singing really have a beautiful gift to share. Thank you.
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