December 10, 2005 10:09 AM
Another Curtis Christmas Tradition: Good King Wenceslas
I'm entering Christmas books at Barbara's Picks this morning, but this one's special so I wanted to share it here:
A beautful Christmas melody with a challenging message. Tripp and I use this book to perform a duet each year as a gift to our children. I know it's hokey, but kids like their mom and dad to be hokey :) Even though we're just average singers, it means a lot to the kids - and the message is the heart of our family. Following the master and serving others, even in adversity.
Good King Wenceslas
(hear the tune and read the history at CyberHymnal)
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone 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 you know it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?â€
“Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.â€
“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.â€
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
Through the cold 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.â€
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.â€
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
The feast of St. Stephen is December 26. The hymn was based on the Duke of Bohemia. I just love the story!
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Comments
My two younger sons, Matthew and Daniel just participated in a musical dedicated to King Wenceslas. Their director wrote the play and the score. What an incredible story! I knew nothing of the life of Wenceslas and was blessed and convicted. It is a tale we would like to add to our traditions as well.
Posted by: Robyn | December 12, 2005 10:14 AM
