Dear All
This morning we celebrated the first Sunday of Christmas and the feast of St Stephen which was yesterday.
Unfortunately, we no longer have Laura but Gail had recorded the communion settings and Gordon played the hymns unaccompanied so we did have some music to raise our spirits.
I will send the link of the YouTube recorded service.
Robin and Helen had moved the manger into the chancel so there was still a Christmassy feel to the church.
Please note there will be no Said Eucharist this Thursday 31st December.
The next service is Sunday 3rd January 10am Sung Eucharist for Epiphany
Have a good Christmas week!
1st Sunday of Christmas 2020 St Andrew’s Milngavie
Acts 7 51-60
Luke 2:15-21
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
“Good King Wenceslas last looked out
On the Feast of Stephen
When the snow lay ’round about
Deep and crisp and even.”
Yesterday was the feast of Saint Stephen. It always lands on Boxing Day and so overshadowed by Christmas Day it is rarely given its full justice as a saint’s day.
Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian Church. He was the first Christian martyr and is believed to have been a Greek Jew who converted to Christianity. When the number of disciples increased, there was much confusion over the distribution of alms and the serving of the poor. Stephen’s trustworthy character marked him out, and he was chosen as one of the seven deacons who would perform this task.
An excellent and well trusted orator, his preaching style was so effective that many Jews became worried about his success. They accused him of blasphemy and he was made to stand trial.
At the supreme Jewish law court, the Sanhedrin, Stephen presents his view of the history of Israel in the whole of chapter seven of Acts. This angered the crowd, and he was dragged out onto the streets. He was then stoned to death according to the law at that time, an event witnessed by St Paul. It is believed he died around the year 34 AD.
How does all this sit with the Christmas story, which we continue to celebrate today? When we think of Christ’s story, we know the ending and we know it very well. And we know with all its twists and turns it is a happy one. The anticipation of Christmas is followed by the joy and drama of Easter.
But we equally know that between the nativity and the resurrection, not all was good and makes for happy reading. Almost immediately there is the threat from Herod and subsequent flight into Egypt.
As Jesus grows up, he gets separated from his family on their return home from Jerusalem. He then at the start of his ministry, spends time in the desert being tempted by the devil. Throughout his ministry he is questioned, spurned and scorned. And finally, he suffers betrayal, trial and death on a cross.
Jesus’ story, like our stories, are all made up of trials and tribulations, happiness and joy. But thanks to the Christmas story, Jesus coming into the world and the Easter story, Jesus resurrection to new life, we can live a life of hope and expectation of new life ourselves.
When we think of the words of the gospel today that describe Mary’s response to the whole nativity scene.
“But Mary treasure all these words and pondered them in her heart” Luke 2:19
We may wonder, what was she really thinking? What did it mean to bear God’s child?
What did she understand by the phrase “Son of the Most High”? What does it mean to be “Good news to all people”?
These are big questions! So, no wonder Mary was pondering them in her heart – there was a lot to think about! And there is still a lot to think about……
As we celebrate Christmas this year, a year which has been so difficult, we give thanks for the faith and the courage of Saint Stephen, and for the faith and courage of Mary. And we may also ponder in our hearts the greatness of this great festival………
And what it might mean to us today.
Amen