Day 3: Good King Wenceslas/Traditional/Sung by Candice Night

In my haste to bring a new Christmas song to my post yesterday, I didn't stop to think about the date.

Yesterday (Dec. 27) was the Feast of Stephen according to Western world calendars. But I had to research, who was Stephen and why does this matter?

Well, the traditional Christmas Carol, Good King Wenceslas is a story of the actual King Wenceslaus. It's about a celebration during the Feast of Stephen. Apparently, the "good" King (who was actually a duke) was known to be charitable and concerned for those with needs greater than his own. On a particular night, he left his warm, cozy home and went out into the countryside to serve the poor. A page followed him, thus following in his footsteps through the "deep, crisp and even" snow that "lay round about."

One of our seasonal favorites, The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens also echos this message throughout in the story's subplot. Scrooge truly finds happiness and joy once he shares and gives Christmas spirit.

Whether the story of King Wenceslas is accurate or not, the song still sends a clear message about charity and giving. It is a lesson about the example set by Christ in giving to others in need and then, in turn, how we should follow the example He set.

Day 3 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

Good King Wenceslas

sung by Candice Night

via YouTube

As I was searching for an applicable bible verse, I found this one. I sure like it. It's about how we should be thankful and share our gifts in Jesus's name. I believe that is the heart of all that was "good" about King Wenceslas.

The Bible tells us so in the section of Philippians 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Youth from UMC heading out on a mission trip (2013)

Again, it's not just a Christmas season thing. Giving and compassion for others is an every-day, 365-kinda-thing. 

Love one another &
Share Joy!