“In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted; heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed. Therefore Christians all be sure, wealth or rank possessing, ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.” – Good King Wenceslas, by John Mason Neale
As our holiday preparations take us ever closer to Christmas Day when we celebrate the birthday of the Son of God, we are traveling a path that has been established for generations. We hang ornaments on our trees and place treasured family heirlooms around our homes. Our cookies, fresh from the oven, follow great- grandma’s recipe to the letter; but we still miss that secret ingredient that made them taste so good. As our eyes find their way to the figurine of the tiny Baby lying on a bed of hay while surrounded by a menagerie of farm animals, our thoughts, carried on the tune of a classic Christmas hymn, drift back to a time of wonder and miracles and promises fulfilled; often overlooking the struggles to keep the young Child alive and those he faced as a travelling teacher.
The Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, talks about struggles, but with a message of hope. On a bitter winter night, a wealthy king sees a poor man gathering small, tree branches to heat his humble home. Determined to help, the compassionate monarch and his young page set out to take food and logs to the man in need. After traipsing through the snowy night for a goodly distance, the page woefully declares he can’t continue on. The good king, however, encourages his attendant to walk boldly in his own footsteps as they continue on their journey of love and compassion. The page boy does, drawing heat and strength, as he steps in the footprints of his king.
On our journey through the Christmas season and into the New Year, may we all walk in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, the Child born in Bethlehem. As we do so, let us remember to help those around us – whether they are poor in possessions or poor in spirit, whether they hunger in their bellies or in their hearts. And when we begin to lose our heart and despair that we can’t go on any longer, let us seek again the path that our Master, the Son of God, leads us in, a path where we, too, will find blessing. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Pastor Laura and Bryan
PS. Did you know that the carol, Good King Wenceslas, was based on actual monarch, known for his good deeds?
PPS. If you actually read this entire letter, please tell Bryan the codeword, “Twinkle Toes” when you see him! (But don’t share with anyone else!)