The Good King

Remember "Good King Wenceslas"? He's the regal gentleman who looked out "on the feast of Stephen" in one of my favorite Christmas carols. I learned the first verse as child, but because this song moves me deeply I'm memorizing more lyrics.

A lively tune (I wish I could hum it for you) accompanies the story of the Good King who, I imagine, is quite toasty by his hearth. I picture him alongside one of those huge stone fireplaces I've seen in England's stately mansions, a fireplace big enough stand in. He peers out from his regal window and sees a poor man foraging for fallen branches. The King watches the man closely and knows the man's efforts won't supply his need.

Good King Wenceslas inquires of his servant, "Who is he?" His page says the man lives a far distance, beneath the mountain, against the forest fence, and the King makes a decision. He instructs his servant to bring meat, wine and wood and says, "We're going to see this poor fellow enjoy a feast tonight." And out the King goes into the howling storm to find the peasant.

The wealthy King's selflessness and determination amaze me, but it's his joy that grips me. When I sing the words, "We're going to see this poor fellow enjoy a feast tonight," I feel his joy in bearing gifts that will relieve a cold and hungry man. I touch the mercy of Jesus Christ, the Good King.

Seeing me from the window of heaven—my helplessness, my poverty—Jesus bundled Himself off, appearing in flesh on this dark and ravaged earth. Jesus came from Paradise braving every cruel element. He set His face like stone against every hardship to give me a gift I could never purchase—the gift of life in His Presence forever. And it was His joy to do it! A joy birthed by love.

Jesus Christ was born as a Child for you and me, both as Child and Good King. May we sing the story with heart and joy!