The Real Twelve Days of Christmas – Good Kings and Martyrs

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

There are two things of note about this day.  This is the day we venerate the man who is called the first martyr.  The fact that he died because of the Gospel was new but unfortunately not unique.  This puts me in mind of those who die in our modern era for the same cause.  There are still places where it is deadly to follow Christ.  I am thankful that it is only unpopular where I live. 

I also love that this is the day where we commemorate King Wenceslas.  He was also murdered for his faith.  He is the source of the Czech legend of the King Under the Mountain.   

What is most valuable to me about this is the legendary nature of his generosity.  We sing the song at Christmas without knowing the legend behind it.  So much of following Christ is understanding being generous to others. 

Here we see two men who gave everything for the Gospel.  Christ did the same.  I must be willing to give all and that must start with understanding how much I have.  If I do not freely give from the blessings I have then I am missing the point of those blessings.  If I do not keep in mind those who have less than they need then I am not truly following Christ.  Enjoy the song.  Perhaps instead of turtle doves one can ponder the poor and their needs.  Perhaps I can find another way to be generous.

Good King Wenceslas – Performed by Loreena McKennitt

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 thou know'st 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 him 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."

"Mark 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 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

Ye who now will bless the poor

Shall yourselves find blessing

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."