Today we learn about St. Stephen, the first person to give his life for Christ after the Lord’s birth. Celebrated the day after Christmas, St. Stephen reminds us that following Jesus is not only about joy and wonder, but also about courage, sacrifice, and faithful witness.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. Stephen. You will learn how he was chosen as one of the first deacons of the Church, how he preached boldly with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, and how he delivered one of the earliest Christian sermons recorded in Scripture. You will also hear about his unjust trial, his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father, and his final act of forgiveness toward those who stoned him.

💬 Thought to Remember

“Love your enemies.”

St. Stephen shows us that Christian love reaches its fullest expression in forgiveness, even in the face of suffering.

📖 Reflection Verse

“But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:55

🙏 Prayer to St. Stephen

St. Stephen,

faithful deacon and first martyr of the Church,

pray for us.

Help us to serve with humility,

to speak the truth with courage,

and to forgive with the love of Christ.

When following Jesus becomes difficult,

remind us that heaven is open to those who remain faithful.

St. Stephen, pray for us.

Amen.

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Today we pause our journey through the saints to celebrate the very reason saints exist at all — the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is the fulfillment of centuries of promise, the moment when God entered human history, not with power or wealth, but in humility, silence, and love.

In this special Christmas Day episode, Saul reflects on the story of the Nativity, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the deep meaning behind Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.” You will hear how Scripture foretold the coming of Emmanuel, how light enters the world through Christ, and how the manger already points us toward the Eucharist.

This episode also explains why Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, while acknowledging that the exact historical date of Christ’s birth is unknown. The focus is not the calendar, but the truth that when Christ entered the world, darkness began to lose its power.

✨ Topics included

The Nativity of Our Lord

Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ

The meaning of Bethlehem

Light overcoming darkness

Why Christmas is celebrated in December

Preparing our hearts to welcome Christ today

💬 Thought to Remember

“God became man so that man might become holy.”

📖 Reflection Verse

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

John 1:14

🙏 Christmas Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

we adore You in the manger.

Thank You for entering our world in humility and love.

Help us welcome You with the faith of Mary,

the obedience of Joseph,

and the wonder of the shepherds.

May our hearts become a home for You.

Amen.

🎄 Merry Christmas from Saints in a Year.

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Today we learn about St. Adele of Pfalzel, a holy woman whose life of faith, motherhood, and quiet preparation leads us beautifully into the celebration of Christmas. Honored on Christmas Eve, St. Adele reminds us that Christ is welcomed into hearts that are formed by prayer, humility, and love.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. Adele. You will learn about her noble background, her life as a wife and mother, and how she raised children who later became saints. You will also hear how she embraced the consecrated life, became an abbess at Pfalzel near Trier, and guided a monastic community through prayer, discipline, and charity. Her story shows how holiness is often built through daily faithfulness rather than dramatic moments.

💬 Thought to Remember

“Prepare the way of the Lord.”

St. Adele teaches us that preparing for Christ begins in the heart, in the home, and in quiet obedience to God’s will.

✝️ Reflection Verse

“Let it be done to me according to your word.”

Luke 1:38

🙏 Prayer to St. Adele of Pfalzel

St. Adele of Pfalzel,

holy mother and faithful servant of God,

pray for us as we prepare to welcome Christ.

Teach us to form holy homes,

to live with humble trust in God,

and to receive the Savior with love and faith.

St. Adele of Pfalzel, pray for us.

Amen.

📅 Follow Saints in a Year daily as we walk through the Church calendar and prepare our hearts for Christ.

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