We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
[Refrain]
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
[Refrain]
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
[Refrain]
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.
[Refrain]
‘We Three Kings’ (or ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’) is an carol dating from 1857.
The carol was composed by American clergyman and hymnodist, John Henry Hopkins Jr. and appeared in his Carols, Hymns and Songs collection in 1872. Its original use was for an .
It’s intended as an Epiphany carol, meaning it’s technically meant to be sung towards the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Epiphany is 6 January in 2020). But with its great tune and message of hope, the popular carol – which was originally published as ‘Three Kings of Orient’ – is still one of the most frequently performed throughout the entire Christmas season, including before Christmas Day.
The carol tells the story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection – and the melody alternates between regal, minor-sounding Aeolian mode verses, in which the Three Wise Men announce what gifts they’re presenting to the son of God, and a major chorus joyfully proclaiming the beauty of the star guiding their way to the manger.⛁
(source: What are the lyrics to ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’, and who wrote the popular... - Classic FM}
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Imagine the day. Jesus is born. He is said to be 'the King of the Jews." TheJews were looking for Him to be a real king. One that ruled like the ones that they were used to. King Herod even thought Jesus would try to take his place as king. And so he tried to have him murdered. However, the three kings of whom are mentioned in this carol, knew different. And they went to worship Him bearing the gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold.
Jesus didn't rule as the kind of king that was expected. But, He was born to die and in his life and death, He became the King of the Jews. But more than that. He became the King of Kings. The King of you and I. And these three kings that were as lowly as you and I in humanity knew that.
They knew the difference. And so, praise God, do we!
Thanks for coming today, Friends. Have a blessed weekend.
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