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The Christmas carol titled We Three Kings of Orient Are was composed by Reverend John Henry Hopkins. It was originally written in New York at the General Theological Seminary for their Christmas Pageant.
The basis of the song is Matthew 2:1-2
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matt 2:1-2
It is written that the Magi who were guided by a star in the sky traveled to where Jesus, Mary and Joseph were staying. When they arrived to present the new born king presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Each of these gifts have a symbolic meaning. The gold represent Jesus as king. The frankincense identified Jesus’ priesthood. The frankincense was a symbol of his death. Myrrh was used as a burial embalming spice.
Fun Facts
It is interesting to note that it is possible that there were more than three Magi. What we do know is that there was three gifts. Some make the assumption that there were only three. It was common in the days of Jesus that large caravans would travel together.
Lyrics
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder starO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect LightBorn a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reinO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect lightFrankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray’r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most highO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect lightMyrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tombO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect lightGlorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav’n repliesO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
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