MERRY CHRISTMAS! CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!
Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, one of the first seven deacons of the Church and the first Christian martyr. Did you know that before he was killed, he gave a really long summary of God’s saving work through the Old Testament (Acts 7:2-53) including the Old Testament Joseph (vs. 9-16)?
And here is a great reflection on Joe’s presence at the Nativity from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Akathist Hymn in Honor of the Righteous Joseph, the Betrothed of the Most-Holy Virgin Mary (5th Ikos):
Rejoice! You who before all others beheld the descent to earth of the unsetting Sun of Righteousness!
Rejoice! First witness and servant on earth of the incarnate Son of God, Who was born of the Father before all ages!
Rejoice! Earthly carpenter who was vouchsafed to be called the father of the heavenly Architect!
Rejoice! Protector and guardian of the Infant to Whom the ranks of angels minister with fear!
Rejoice! Reverent servant of the Mother of God, the Word!
Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!
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