music
This is a simple, tender and joyful Christmas song that was written in 1950 by (Geraldine Schuman) a nineteen year old Bettendorf Carmel Novice. It is to the music of Good King Wenceslas. We like to sing this song every year and hear again its delightful story.
Christmas Allegory
A Christmas Allegory With A Liturgical Meaning
(melody: Good King Wenceslaus)
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1. "You're summoned to a Judgment Ball," * King's
messengers informed me. * It's held tonight in
Heaven's Hall, * We thought you'd best forewarned
be * The Mother Queen and Infant King * Will be
there to give prizes * To angels and to saints alike
* to suit their virtue's sizes.
2. Then, haste I to my closet small * For virtues to
adorn me, * But found my virtues one and all, * Most
dusty and forlornly. * Yet, in a corner of that nook,
* I found what made my heart glad: * A little ring
of golden Hope, * The dearest thing that could be
had.
3. So, in my rags I set me out, * The Hope-ring on my
finger. * It lighted all the dark about, My steps
they could not linger! * And soon unto the Hall I
came, * Its windows were a-twinkle, * With virtues
glowing from within, * And Christmas lights
a-blinkle!
4. The saints and angels who were there, * Were dancing
for the pleasure * Of Mother Queen and King most fair, *
The joy it had no measure. * When at the voice of
angel bright, * All present made procession, * Before
the wondrous Throne of Light, * To win the King's
concession.
5. "I judge you worthy of My peace," With pearls He
decked that blest one. * "I give you life that will
not cease," * And diamonds graced the next one. * And
gems of every sort and kind * He poured upon those
present, * And thanked Him, all that company, * With
gratitude incessant.
6. But I in shame bemoan-ed me * For what of good could
rags win? * The King sat throned in sanctity, * I
dared not to approach Him. * Then, sudden gleams from
off my ring, * Upon His Eyes alighted, * And straight
He called me unto Him, * And went I though most
frighted.
7. The Little King was startled quite * To see my
poor appearance; * The Mother Queen was sudden
white, * My faults had such adherance! * But still
the Hope-ring brightly shone, * Till pity moved the
Mother, * She spoke a word in Kinglet's ear, *
-Twixt fear and Hope I shuddered!
8. "The greatest treasure of them all * Is judged to
be your prize, child. * Redemption had the highest
worth, * Its jewels to the skies piled. * And I,
Myself the Judge and Prize, * Will straight away
adorn you, * And in My Love will dress you up, *
When of your rags I've shorn you."
9. The Mother Queen bid me come up * And stand before
her Kinglet. * (And I most surreptitiously *
Touched every golden ringlet!) * He more than
amply filled His words, * And was Himself my
treasure, * And on my heart He wrote the words: *
"REDEMPTION WITHOUT MEASURE."