We Three Kings
KINGS OF ORIENT8.8.4.4.6 with refrain
Words: John Henry Hopkins Jr.Music: KINGS OF ORIENT, John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1857
Practice player: melody only, played by your browser. The intro is the closing line of the tune, as many churches play it. Melody and words transcribed from Carols, Hymns, and Songs (1863), pp. 12–13, public domain.
Words
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain,
Moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
O Star of wonder, Star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.
Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King for ever,
Ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh:
Prayer and praising
All men raising,
Worship Him God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing,
Bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King, and God, and Sacrifice;
Heav'n sings Hallelujah:
Hallelujah the earth replies.
Scripture
The Bible passages this hymn draws on, in the King James Version.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Suggested for these Masses
- Epiphany of the Lord Jan 3, 2027
- Holy Family, Year A Dec 31, 2028
Related hymns
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- Gentle Mary Laid Her ChildGentle Mary laid her Child
- The Star Proclaims the King is HereThe star proclaims the King is here
- Angels From the Realms of GloryAngels from the realms of glory
- Coventry CarolLullay, Thou little tiny Child
- Hark! The Herald Angels SingHark! the herald angels sing