Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas

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 wind was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gathering winter fuel

Page, who is that peasant there
Shivering in the shadows
He must have warm clothes to wear
When the cold north wind blows
Bring me firewood; bring me food
We must help our brother
Love for Christ is always proved
When we help each other

Page and Monarch started out
In the blustery weather
Though the wind was stronger now
They pressed on together
When the squire's hope would dim
Or he feared disaster
He would follow closely in
The footsteps of his Master

Hungry eyes looked up to see
The King himself approaching
Hands accepted gratefully
The gifts of food and clothing

Tears of joy were shed that day
Giving and receiving
Though long ago and far away
This story bears repeating
From our King we too must learn
Wealth is not possessing
Those who give find in return
They receive God's blessing