Good King Wenceslas (Nik Bear Brown)

Good King Wenceslas (Nik Bear Brown)

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, gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page, and stand by me, if you 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 food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.”
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.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”

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, while God’s gifts possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
Timeless Truths

Through the forest dark they came, where the wind was howling,
Faintly glowed the page's flame, fear and doubt embowling.
"Fear not, lad, for light will show, trust the Lord's great leading,
In the act of love, we grow, faith itself is feeding."

At the cottage door they stood, where the frost was biting,
Wenceslas brought forth the wood, warmth and hope uniting.
"Take this food and take this cheer, God has not forsaken,
In the chill of winter drear, His love is unshaken."

Homeward went the page and king, hearts aglow with glory,
Every step a song to sing, spreading Christmas' story.
Thus we learn that giving light, melts the cold and sorrow,
Love's own flame can guide the night, brightening the morrow