Christmas Song We Three Kings: the Lyrics and the Meaning
Christmas songs are a big part of the holidays. While most people know all the words to Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls, there are some lesser known Christmas carols that are worth learning. One of my favorites is "We Three Kings." The lyrics are beautiful, and they tell the story of the Nativity in a very poetic way. But what does the song mean? Let's take a look at the lyrics and find out...
When was We Three Kings composed and who wrote the song?
The Christmas song We Three Kings was composed in 1857 by American clergyman and hymnodist, John Henry Hopkins Jr. and appeared in his Carols, Hymns and Songs collection in 1872. It is a carol that tells the story of the Nativity from the perspective of the three Wise Men, or Magi. The lyrics are very poetic, and they paint a beautiful picture of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, and it remains a popular Christmas carol to this day.
Reverend John Henry Hopkins was a minister, composer, and author who was born in 1820. He is best known for composing the Christmas carol We Three Kings. However, Reverend John Henry Hopkins also wrote a number of other hymns and religious poems. Some of his other popular works include "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." John Henry Hopkins is also famous for writing several hymns and works of religious poetry. He was a very talented man, and his Christmas carols are still loved by many people today.
John Henry Hopkins also wrote the Christmas carol "My True Love Sent to Me." This carol is less well known than We Three Kings but it is just as beautiful. It tells the story of a man who is waiting for his true love to come to him. The lyrics are very romantic, and they express the hope and anticipation that comes with waiting for someone you love.
John Henry Hopkins, composer and writer of We Three Kings
The Christmas song We Three Kings was originally composed as an Epiphany song. Epiphany is a Christian holiday that celebrates the arrival of the Magi to Bethlehem. The word "epiphany" comes from the Greek word "epiphaneia," which means "appearance" or "manifestation." The Magi were believed to be wise men who had seen a star that led them to Bethlehem. This event is known as the Epiphany, and it is celebrated by Christians on January 6th. We Three Kings is a song that commemorates this event, and it is often sung on Epiphany.
The story of the Magi is an important part of the Christmas story, and We Three Kings is a beautiful song that tells this story in a very poetic way. If you are looking for a Christmas carol that is both beautiful and meaningful, then look no further than We Three Kings.
What do the lyrics of We Three Kings mean?
The first half of the song We Three Kings describes the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem. They followed a star that led them to where "the young Child was lying." The second verse describes the gifts that they brought to baby Jesus - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is a symbol of royalty, and it represents the fact that Jesus was born to be a king. Frankincense is a aromatic resin that was used in religious ceremonies, and it symbolizes Jesus' status as a holy figure. Myrrh is a bitter spice that was used in ancient times to embalm the dead, and it represents the suffering that Jesus would endure during his crucifixion.
In the chorus, the lyrics are about a Star. The star that the Christmas song We Three Kings references is the Star of Bethlehem. The Star of Bethlehem is a very famous star, and it is mentioned in the Bible. The Star of Bethlehem led the Magi to where baby Jesus was lying. The star is a symbol of hope, and it represents the fact that Jesus was born to be a king.
The second half of the song describes the Magi's final act of worship where they knelt down and worshipped baby Jesus before returning to their own homes. This act of worship signifies the importance of Jesus Christ - even wise men from faraway lands recognized him as someone special. Finally the song wraps up with a prayer that asks God to bless the infant Jesus. It also asks for guidance and protection for all children, which is a fitting message for Christmas time.
We Three Kings is a song that is full of meaning and symbolism. If you take the time to understand the lyrics, you will see that it is a beautiful tribute to the birth of Jesus Christ. We Three Kings is a Christmas carol that everyone can enjoy, and it is sure to fill you with the holiday spirit.
What are the lyrics to We Three Kings?
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 reign.O 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
Prayer and praising, voices 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 a 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
Heaven sings, 'Alleluia!'
‘Alleluia!’ the Earth repliesO Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Whether you’re singing We Three Kings in front of the fire with family and friends or belting it out in the shower, this classic Christmas song is one that never fails to get us into the holiday spirit. What do the lyrics mean to you? For me, they symbolize hope – hope for peace on Earth, hope for goodwill towards all men and women, and hope for a better future. No matter what your interpretation may be, I think we can all agree that this song is a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. So whatever your plans are this holiday season, make sure to add We Three Kings to your playlist – it’s bound to put you in the Christmas mood!
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