When I was a child I sang.  For a number of years, the children at the church I grew up in put on an annual Christmas musical, and I always participated enthusiastically, often with leading roles.  One year, I was the title character in “Good King Wenceslas,” a fictionalization in musical form of the man behind the popular Christmas carol of the same name.

I really don’t remember the music much – it would have been created by the worship support industry for churches that put on these kinds of musicals – plays complete with musical scores that children’s choir directors can pick up and make their own.

But I do think the musical focused on the best part of the holiday spirit – giving to the poor.  I think I recall that as King, I was quite distressed about what to do with my vain and worldly daughter, who was obsessed with material wealth.  I also think I remember that my daughter was played by my childhood sweetheart.

Well it turns out King Wenceslas was a saint, martyred in the 10^th century.  His story, as a king interested in helping the poor, became part of the ideal of a good king taking a deep personal interest and care in providing for the needs of all his people.  The tune for the popular carol was written in the 13^th century, and the modern lyrics were added in 1853.

I don’t remember even if we sang the carol in the musical – it seems likely some arrangement of the classic made it into at least one of the songs.  I do remember my daughter/childhood sweetheart’s name was Princess Wences – in retrospect, we must have been awfully adorable.

Thanks for reading.

Ryan