Good King Wenceslas

I was just about to complain that there was no snow, let alone, "deep and crisp and even" but then I read the rest of the words.

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

This all started with a song that pops into my mind because today is the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr (and, yes, there is debate about John the Baptist and the Holy Innocents...at least there was here this morning but we can save that for later) and suddenly you have an excellent lesson about another selfless member of Bohemian royalty and also a martyr, in the 10th century. See what I'm saying? Learning is everywhere, especially when the Holy Spirit gives you a nudge! St. Wenceslas' feast is September 28th, btw.

So, Happy Feast of St. Stephen and you're welcome for the added Saint lesson ;0)

Today we went to Mass and tried to go to Adoration (canceled for Mass) then had fun visiting the Creche downtown. You may notice that tiny man was not pleased. The clouds were quickly passing above the UPMC (US Steel) building and he was convinced it was going to fall on him. It's always something with that guy.

Wishing you continued blessings during this Christmas season. It's just begun! Go out and spread the Good News that Our Savior is Born! We are blessed.