Today, on the 2nd Day of Christmas, we celebrate the first martyr for the Faith. On Christmas day, Christ came into the world to bring Life to it, and it is fitting that we now commemorate the first to give his own life for the sake of the Christ who saves.Ever wonder why "Good King Wenceslaus" is sung at Christmas, despite no mention of the Christmas story?
Because, the saint's good and holy deeds occurred "on the feast of Stephen," December 26th.
So as you sing your Good King Wenceslaus carol today, perhaps recall this extra verse from the early church that celebrates not just the saint of the song, but the saint of the day and his sacrifice for his faith.
Christian friends, your voices raise.
Wake the day with gladness.
God Himself to joy and praise
turns our human sadness:
Joy that martyrs won their crown,
opened heaven’s bright portal,
when they laid the mortal down
for the life immortal.
Wake the day with gladness.
God Himself to joy and praise
turns our human sadness:
Joy that martyrs won their crown,
opened heaven’s bright portal,
when they laid the mortal down
for the life immortal.
St. Stephen, Deacon and First Martyr, pray for us!
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