Boxing Day and the Martyrs

Boxing Day

First Year

Gospel of Matt. 10:16–22 Witnesses of Christ

Jesus said to the disciples:

“I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

“Be on your guard, for people will hand you over to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and the nations. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking in you.

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:16–22 First Edition)

Understanding Martyrdom

The feast of St. Stephen, which follows Christmas Day, is a special feast day. It is when we remember the first martyr, St. Stephen. This day is also a good time to reflect on what it means to follow Christ. Matthew 10:16–22 offers us significant lessons about martyrdom and how God’s promise works in difficult times. The choice of St. Stephen in the annual church calendar is no coincidence. The early Christians understood that martyrdom means being born into a new life, not just suffering. This day connects the birth of Jesus with the death of Stephen, and he thus receives a place of honor in the church year, which in itself is remarkable.

Martyrdom evokes many emotions. It signifies a strong commitment to faith even in the face of death. When we look at the era in which Christ worked, we see that the first disciples knew that the period of martyrdom would involve many challenges. For example, the apostle Peter faced the death penalty for his faith. He is reported to have said that he could be crucified upside down, because he did not feel worthy to die as Jesus did. This example illustrates the deep loyalty that many of his disciples showed.

Jesus’ Warnings

Matthew 10:16–22 begins with Jesus’ warning words: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” This parable clearly shows that the disciples will face great challenges. Jesus does not promise them an easy journey, but he warns that adversity is inevitable. For example, the Romans could accuse and persecute Christians simply because they believed in Christ.

The Power of God’s Promises

Jesus’ words also contain comfort. He assures the disciples that the Holy Spirit will be with them. This promise is central to the life of every believer. Although adversity is inevitable, God's presence is a source of support and courage in difficult times. According to statistics, more than 300 million Christians face persecution in the world today. In such situations, the power of the Holy Spirit helps us to remain faithful.

Finnish Christianity

We Finns are lucky to be able to live as Christians without major persecution. We have the freedom to gather in churches and celebrate common occasions. This freedom can be considered an important heritage that we have received from previous generations.

We are grateful to those who, for generations, have held on to the faith and built the country's beautiful churches and congregations. This reminds us that faith is alive and continuous. It is passed down from generation to generation, so it is our duty to cherish this heritage. In 2020, there were approximately 3.4 million Evangelical Lutherans in Finland, representing a strong heritage of faith.

The birth of a new life

When we think of martyrdom, we can also see it as an opportunity for a new life. When believers face suffering, they often see this journey as a gift that takes them deeper into knowing God. Many believers have said that hardships have brought them closer to God’s love; research has shown that those who come to faith through suffering experience their lives as richer and more meaningful.

The story of the shepherds on Christmas Eve is a good example. Their return from the fields was not just a return to everyday life, but a journey that required courage. The world around them was full of challenges, but they now had a new understanding—the promising God was with them. They began to share the message of Jesus’ birth, even though knowing that they had returned to the challenge required great courage.

Learning from Difficult Times and Challenges

Jesus’ words to the disciples are still relevant. We are sometimes in situations where we have to defend our faith. Whether it is a speech or everyday life, God’s promise takes into account our weaknesses. He does not leave us alone, but gives us strength when we face confrontations and disagreements, as many young adults do on social media today. Following Christ is not always easy. It can take courage and daring. In some cultures, faith is still a dangerous thing. Although we are fortunate in Finland, it is important to remember that religion is not always understood. Let us prepare our hearts and support those who have faced persecution for their faith.

Connecting Faith and Martyrdom

God’s connection is not broken in difficult times. This promise is still valid. When Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, he emphasizes the presence of God, who gives us the right words to defend our faith. This calms the mind and gives us the strength to overcome difficulties. Martyrdom and faith are intertwined. They take us deeper into knowing God and give us the ability to face the challenges of life. We must find strength in our faith, which is not afraid of suffering. Strong faith develops when we are ready to accept challenges with God’s help.

Hope for the Future

Every follower does well to remember that God’s promises are real. Difficulties are part of the journey, but they do not define the end. We have a hope in God that endures forever. This hope gives us strength in our daily lives when we face adversity. Following Christ in modern times can mean many things. It can be prayer, service, or kindness to others. It can also mean having the courage to defend our faith openly. Although the birth of new life may seem distant, it is a reality that can begin in our daily lives. For example, many young volunteers work to help those in need.

Summary

When we face difficulties, it is important to remember that we are not alone. Community support is an important part of our journey of faith. Together we can pray, share experiences, and encourage one another. We can give and receive strength from the community when life seems especially difficult. Boxing Day is more than just a day of remembrance; it is also an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with faith and martyrdom. Matt. 10:16–22 provides a clear understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Knowing that God is with us in all our challenges can help us find peace and strength in the midst of our daily lives. Let us be grateful that we can live our faith and be a light to others.

May the Almighty Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you!