St. Stephen, Matyr

Today we remember the feast of St. Stephen, sometimes known as the first Christian Martyr.  Stephen was a deacon in the church designated to take care of the widows and orphans of the early church when a mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus(later known as Paul) stoned him to death for being a Christian.  From the account of his death in Acts we see how the martyrs died, without anger witnessing to Christ as the risen savior. 

"Good King Wenceslas" commemorates this day through the acts of  Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia. Wenceslaus I was known for his generosity for the poor and needy, giving to them in a similar manner to Stephen.  In this Christmas season we should remember the bounty that we have been given, and give to those who do not have as much.

Happy Boxing Day!

1. Good King Wenceslas look'd 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.

2. "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."


3. "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
Bring me pine-logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither."
Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth they went together;
Through the rude winds wild lament,
And the bitter weather.

4. "Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know now how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly;
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."


5. 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.