“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” – Acts 7:59
A climber reached an uncharted summit and radioed his success. When a sudden storm struck, his final message calmly gave directions to base camp so others could follow. Though he never returned, his sacrifice created a safe path for those who came after.
Stephen, “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8), becomes the first to follow Christ in giving his life for his faith. His dying words echo Jesus’s own surrender: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” While being stoned, he sees a vision of glory—“the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing” (Acts 7:56)—revealing that the crucified Christ is victorious and welcoming His faithful witness. This account reminds us that Christian joy isn’t immunity from suffering, but Christ’s presence within it. As Jesus told His followers, faithfulness may bring opposition, but “the Spirit of your Father will speak through you” (Matthew 10:20). Stephen’s unwavering faith and forgiveness established a powerful pattern for all believers, demonstrating that our hope in Christ transcends even death itself.
Today’s devotional-26, December, 2025 ~ www.dailyfaithechoes.org
A Journey of Reflection and Action
Take time today to reflect quietly on moments when faithfulness has brought opposition in your life, journal how Stephen’s vision of glory and surrender to Jesus inspires you amid trials, meditate on Acts 7:59 and Christ’s welcoming presence, pray for the grace to forgive and trust Him fully in suffering, and encourage someone facing difficulty by sharing this testimony of transcendent hope.
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we remember Your faithful witness Stephen on this day after Your birth, we marvel at how he echoed Your surrender: “Receive my spirit.” Grant us his courage and vision of Your glory when trials come, fill us with Your Spirit to speak truth and forgive as he did, and remind us that our hope in You conquers even death. Welcome us one day into Your victorious presence. Amen.
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Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
The Scripture is adapted from the Catholic Daily Readings of the day.
- First Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
- Second Reading: (none)
- Alleluia: Psalm 118:26a, 27a
- Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22
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