Good King Wenceslas

 

 

The legend of King Wenceslas takes place on the 26th of December, which is also the Feast of Saint Stephen (and Kwanzaa and Boxing Day!)

The real life Wenceslas was a Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century. Legend has it that on one particularly cold December 26th, he looked out his palace window and happened to see a peasant gathering firewood. Taken aback, Wenceslas realized that while he himself feasted in the luxury of his palace, the poor peasant lived in abject poverty and had little to be festive about.

Wenceslas questioned his young Page as to where the peasant might live. The Page knew immediately, “Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes fountain.”  Wenceslas then insisted the two go out in the cold winter night, bringing meat and wine to  the peasant so he too could have a good dinner.

Unfortunately, the little Page was not built very sturdily. Halfway through the journey his body went numb and his pulse weak. “Fails my heart, I know not why, I can go no longer,” he told his master.  Wenceslas instructed the Page to walk behind him in his footsteps as he trudged  the snow. When the Page did so, the cold miraculously left his body.

Wenceslas and the Page completed their journey, brought food to the peasant and did indeed see him dine.  Ever after that, Wenceslas (who also became a saint) reminded his subjects that  “You who now shall bless the poor, shall yourself find blessings.”

‘Good King Wenceslas’ is one of my favorite carols, performed here by the Mediaeval Baebes.  Hope you like it and hope you are having a fantastic Feast of Stephen, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day and day after Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift of the Magi

 

Three wise magicians, who resided in ancient Persia, were so adept at astrological charts that they determined the presence of a brilliant constellation, linked to the birth of baby who would become the most radical and controversial figure to ever hit planet earth.

That baby, a male child called Yeshua bin Joseph, was born in Bethlehem to a Hebrew teenager named Mary and  her betrothed, Joseph of the House of David.

The three magicians rode on caravan across the desert to discover the child for themselves, and determine what may be his effects on humankind.  They stopped for a brief stint with the (very nosy) King Herod.

They then went on to Bethlehem where they greeted the baby with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Although they had promised Herod they would return with a full report, they bypassed the palace and returned to Persia, wisely keeping knowledge of the baby to themselves.

The Gift of the Magi is one of my favorite biblical stories. Today, in honor of Christmas Eve, I give you ‘We Three Kings’ by the (fabulous!) Mediaeval Baebes.

Make a wish, count your lucky stars and have a magical Christmas!

 

 

 

 

Silver Bells

 

Even in the midst of our chaotic world, we can keep calm and listen to Elvis. Today I give you ‘Silver Bells’.  “It’s Christmas time in the city.”  Whether you are a country comfort or an urban hipster, I hope this song brings you some holiday cheer!

 

 

 

 

Veni Veni Emmanuel

 

The longest night, awaiting light, we deck green boughs, winterberry and pine.  Some wait for the birth of a son.  Some wait for return of the sun.  And though winter’s darkness may leave us moody,  the gods are still with us.

‘Veni Veni Emmanuel’ is a 12th century ballad. The Latin lyrics are based on the bible prophecy of the birth of Christ from the book of Isaiah.  Performed here by the (fabulous!)  Mediaeval Baebes.  Hope you like it!   Happy Winter Solstice.

 

 

 

 

Blue Christmas/ Elvis Presley

 

Elvis may have had a blue Christmas, but I had a lot of fun putting together this video to celebrate three of my favorite things; Elvis, Christmas and the color blue! Fishing into the oldies but goodies.  Hope you like it!

 

 

 

In The Bleak Midwinter

 

Today for your listening entertainment, I give you ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ performed by the fabulous Mediaeval Baebes.  Lyrics for this song were taken from a 19th century poem by Christina Rossetti. Music is by Gustav Holst.

Here in the Midwestern U.S.A. we remain buried in snow and ice, so this song is particularly appropriate for me!  Hope you are warm and safe wherever you are.

 

 

 

Happy Xmas by John Lennon

 

Today, December 8th, marks the 36th anniversary of the death of John Lennon.  A man who strove for peace, both in his personal life and world wide, he ironically died a violent death by gunshot.

John taught us that instead of protesting  war we should try to live our daily lives in peace, celebrate peace and even advertise peace!   His vision of world peace was never far from his heart. I am posting this video in honor of John Lennon and U.S. Troops everywhere, with hopes that my government, the United States of America, will END its GREEDY AND INSANE  war mongering.

Imagine Peace. Pray for Peace. Live in Peace.

Blessed Be 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

The Holly and the Ivy

One of my favorites.  This early 18th century carol combines Pagan and Christian imagery. The holly and ivy represent male and female medieval fertility symbols juxtaposed with the birth of Christ. The references to ‘merry harp’ echo  the words of Chaucer.

Performed by the fabulous Mediaeval Baebes, this carol is a trip into yesteryear.  So grab some hot cocoa, sit back, relax and listen. I hope you enjoy it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silent Night

 

I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!

The day after Thanksgiving is of course my excuse to start listening. I originally began my youtube channel because I wanted to make Christmas music videos. This music helps me get through the darkness until Solstice arrives.

Today I give you Silent Night by The Dickies. (The vigorous version.)

Hope you like it 🙂