Good King Wenceslas 

In this final Christmas episode of the year, Nate and David pour one last festive cup—pumpkin spice creamer, herbal tea, and Ethiopian roast—and turn their attention to the story behind one of the most mysterious Christmas carols: “Good King Wenceslas.”

They trace the real-life history of Saint Wenceslaus of Bohemia, the 10th-century Christian ruler whose compassion, courage, and martyrdom inspired a 19th-century hymn that still echoes through Advent. Beneath the quaint melody lies a profound theological call: to follow Christ through acts of mercy and sacrificial love.

Together, Nate and David explore how Wenceslaus lived as a “shepherd king,” echoing the biblical vision of Psalm 72 and Micah 6:8—doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. They discuss the interplay of faith and power, miracles attributed to his relics, and why the Church remembers him as a saint whose charity reflected the Incarnation itself.

Key Threads We Explore

The true history of Good King Wenceslas Christian kingship and servant leadership The Feast of St. Stephen and post-Christmas discipleship Charity as the fruit of Christmas Miracles, martyrdom, and sainthood Following Christ’s footsteps—literally and figuratively How the carol teaches theology through song

Scripture & Themes (mentioned)

Psalm 72, Micah 6:8, Matthew 25:35-40, Acts 7, Revelation 2, 1 Corinthians 11, John 13.

Themes: Kingship, Charity, Discipleship, Martyrdom, Faith in Public Life, Christian Vocation, Following Christ, Christmas Theology.

Recommended Reading & Listening

John Mason Neale, Good King Wenceslas (1853) Michael Heiser, The Unseen Realm G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man Athanasius, On the Incarnation

Recipe Mentioned

Nate’s Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Ingredients

1 cup oat milk (use a barista blend for extra creaminess)

2 tbsp pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

1½–2 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)

½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: a pinch of sea salt for balance

🫖 Directions

Whisk & heat: In a small saucepan, combine oat milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Warm gently over medium-low heat while whisking until everything blends and begins to steam (don’t boil). Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and salt if using). Blend for frothiness (optional): For a café-style texture, blend for 10–15 seconds or use a handheld frother. Store: Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate. Shake before each use. Keeps about 5–7 days.

Try This Week

Sing “Good King Wenceslas” and meditate on its message. Practice one tangible act of generosity this week. Read Micah 6:8 and ask: How can I live this out after Christmas?

Support the Show

🎁 Visit our merch store for mugs, tees, and holiday gear at freshgroundtheology.com

All proceeds support hosting, editing, and… maybe one day, a Hot Wheels car for David.

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If this episode gave new meaning to a familiar carol, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who loves theology, history, or hymns.