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In 1857, John Henry Hopkins, Jr., assembled an elaborate Christmas pageant, for which he wrote both words and music, for the General Theological Seminary in New York City, where he was instructor in church music. One of the selections dealt with the Wise Men who came from the East, and for this part of the pageant, Hopkins created one of America's most beloved carols. The three kings, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, brought: gold, traditionally the metal of royalty; frankincense, an aromatic bark whose smoke was thought to reach the gates of heaven; and myrrh, an unguent used in the preparation of bodies for burial. The gifts thus signified Jesus' kingship, His oneness with God, and His eventual death on the cross. |
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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 night. Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign
Chorus
Additional verses:
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh Pray'r and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high
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Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume, Breathes of life of gathering gloom Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stonecold tomb
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Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia, Earth to heav'n replies
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