This is my favourite carol of the season, often brightening my eyes with tears as I listen to this saintly deed. This tale clearly advises us to give to others who are less fortunate than we are, and as such I feel it is timely advice the whole year round. True, this tale is of a monarch with easy access to monetary gifts but I feel we can all give something, if only our time or an act of kindness.
May this song inspire us as we continue to give of ourselves, with loving thoughts towards others, by our actions, and with gifts of our volunteer time and dollars, as we can. May we all be so blessed.
Source: hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com
John Mason Neale published this carol in 1853, although he may have written it earlier, since he carried on the legend of St. Wenceslas (the basis of this story) in his Deeds of Faith (1849). The legend is based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia, or Svatý Václav in Czech (907–935). ~Source: Wikipedia
Good King Wenceslas biscuit-tin, 1913
Source: Wikipedia
Further Reading, from my theme around Kindness:
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/08/04/kindness-vs-blindness-of-strangers/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/08/04/kindness-and-the-power-of-one-person/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/08/07/celebrating-the-kindness-of-strangers/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/08/12/angels-among-us/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/08/15/kindness-from-kids-of-all-ages/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/11/04/bringing-veterans-in-from-the-cold/
http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/12/19/a-time-to-give/
Gina,
I found myself singing this in my head as I read it. I never knew the rest of the verses aside from the first one. I love it! Thank you for sharing this and for your always wonderful posts of goodwill and kindness. Merry Christmas, dear one!
Love,
Cathy
Thank you so much Cathy! What a nice comment to read, to know I was able to share more of this lovely story with you. Now you can sing along with ALL the lyrics (or if you’re like me, I often can’t sing them all aloud when I get a bit choked up, sensitive me!). Your continued friendship and kind support always means the world to me. Best wishes for a delightful and merry Christmas!
Love,
Gina
I want to give you this! Merry Christmas! http://utesmile.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/sweety-pie/comment-page-1/#comment-1822
Thank you Ute! You are truly sweet
Merry Christmas to you. Love, Gina
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