A voice cried out, the Church caused pain,
With Christmas Eve so near,
The Bishops’ actions caused the stain,
And trust was lost in fear.

The leaders failed to guide with care,
Their duty set aside,
For those who suffered deep despair,
While truth was left to hide.

The Church of England’s not alone,
For shadows cross the earth,
In faiths across this troubled land,
Injustice masks their worth.

But Jesus, with a broken heart,
Wept for His bride so torn,
For those who bear the weight of sin,
And still in darkness mourn.

The Church must see its flaws and bare,
The plank that is abuse,
To cleanse itself in light and care,
And let the light shine truth.

Look past the Church, and see the Christ,
In Him alone, true peace,
His love and grace can still suffice,
O tidings of comfort and peace.

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19 of 25 Christmas carols with revised lyrics for Advent & Christmas Day reflections 2024, can be sung to the relevant tune.

Full disclosure, ChatGPT and Copilot have been utilised in the developing of this revised version of Good King Wenceslas which touches on current affairs with reference to the Church of England’s failure to deal with abusive priests while incorporating biblical references by or about Jesus (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 7:3-5, 1 John 1:7, Hebrews 12:2, John 14:27, Revelation 19:7-9.). The hope is that, amidst the division and suffering, a message of peace, justice, hope and reconciliation remains.