October 20 Reginald Heber, 1783–1826 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13) This text was written in 1812 by Reginald Heber, an important 19th century Anglican church hymn writer. Heber wrote it especially for use on St. Stephen’s Day, which occurs the first day after Christmas. On this day the liturgical churches honor the memory of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The hymn’s first stanza portrays Christ