“In his master’s step he trod,
where the snow lay dented.
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”
-Good King Wenceslas
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17
“Good King Wenceslas” is an interesting Christmas carol because it doesn’t mention the birth of Christ or the Nativity. In fact, the song is actually about a Duke from Bohemia. History tells us that this man was known for his kindness. The song shows an example of this.
Here the king is watching a man gathering wood, an obvious poor man. Instead of just looking and making a note of it, he engages in conversation. The king asks where he lives and then sets out to help this man by providing him flesh, wine, and logs. The weather is harsh and his paige grows tired. The king tells him to step inside of the footprints he has made and that will make it easier. His master’s steps will help guide him. So, “in his master’s step he trod.”
Our King, our Master, has walked before us. His footsteps have set the path to the places and the people we should serve. During this time of year, giving and serving seem to be easier and expected. As followers of Christ, these two important acts should always be on our hearts. Afterall, Jesus tells us that He came to serve, not to be served. This was how He lived. This is how we are to live. Let us put our feet inside His footprints and follow His lead.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
PRAYER
Lord, help me to serve humbly and to serve in love, not just during this Christmas season, but daily. Amen.
Raelyn Pracht 