Good King Wenceslas...

So, today I was listening to some Christmas music and was thinking of the song Good King Wenceslas – it’s one that you don’t hear as often and I knew the first few lines to it but that was all. So I decided to look up the lyrics and this is what I found:

Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, Deep and crisp and even. Brightly shown the moon that night, Though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, Gathering winter fuel.

Hither, page, and stand by me. If thou know it telling: Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling? Sire, he lives a good league hence, Underneath the mountain, Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes fountain.

Bring me flesh, and bring me wine. Bring me pine logs hither. Thou and I will see him dine When we bear the thither. Page and monarch, forth they went, Forth they went together Through the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather.

Sire, the night is darker now, And the wind blows stronger. Fails my heart, I know not how. I can go no longer. Ark my footsteps my good page, Tread thou in them boldly: Thou shalt find the winter's rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his master's step he trod, Where the snow lay dented. Heat was in the very sod Which the saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.

I thought it a very appropriate song to follow my previous post. It’s too bad it’s not one you hear more often. It really is beautiful and has a very moving “missional” message. Find a copy and give it a listen.

Rejoicing in the season –
Beth Stedman

PS - just as a history lesson side note Wenceslas wasn’t a king at all he was a Czech prince who died by the hand of his brother when his brother usurped power from him.