We Three Kings of Orient Are
Hymn composed by
John Henry HopkinsContextual information
John Henry Hopkins, Jr. wrote this carol (both the text and the music) in 1857 for a Christmas pageant. At the time, Hopkins was serving as rector of rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, PA. He didn't publish this hymn until 1863.
It was the first Christmas carol originating from the United States to achieve widespread popularity, and its text focuses on Matthew 2:1: the Magi who visit Jesus, bringing gifts.
This hymn appears as #259 in Singing the Living Tradition.
John Henry Hopkins, Jr. wrote this carol (both the text and the music) in 1857 for a Christmas pageant. At the time, Hopkins was serving as rector of rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, PA. He didn't publish this hymn until 1863.
It was the first Christmas carol originating from the United States to achieve widespread popularity, and its text focuses on Matthew 2:1: the Magi who visit Jesus, bringing gifts.
This hymn appears as #259 in Singing the Living Tradition.
Tune Name
KINGS OF ORIENT
Tune Name
Text Meter
Irregular
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
John Henry HopkinsHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Spiritual tags
Other tags
Lyricist Background information
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
(Chorus)
O Star of wonder, star of light, star, with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us through this perfect night.
Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, all are raising, worship God most high.
(Chorus)
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
(Chorus)
Born a babe on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again,
love forever, ceasing never, in our hearts to reign.
(Chorus)
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files
Slides
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