St. Stephen’s Day
Yesterday was the feast of St. Stephens, the second day of Christmas. I read to the children the account in Acts of the sermon Stephen preached to the council which found him guilty of blasphemy for his faith in Jesus. We read of his death, and his mercy on his killers.
Then we sang together the one carol which celebrates St. Stephens day- Good King Wencelsas. The children took turns singing the part of the good king and the page.
I read the story of the real King Wenceslas (yes, there was a real good king Wenceslas). He was duke of Bohemia, and carried on the work of his grandfather in bringing Christianity to his people. I alway imagined him as an older man, big and burly. I found that my image of him was incorrect, as he died when he reached his mid twenties. He was murdered by his younger brother, who was angry over the political alliances he had made and his faith in Christ. Wenceslas was legendary for his kindness to the poor and to orphans.