Lessons From CarolsNäide

“We Three Kings” presents the story of the magi who followed the star to Jesus in Bethlehem. They presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The song’s title speaks of three “kings,” but Scripture does not specify that they were kings. Typically, magi were Mede and Persian priests who practiced astrology. This makes sense because they saw the star of Bethlehem and followed it to the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus Christ. The “king” confusion may also stem from the princely gifts given by the magi, as gold, frankincense, and myrrh were so costly as to be only afforded by royalty.

1. 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 light, star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

2. Born 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 light, star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

3. Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh;

prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high.

O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

4. Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom;

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

5. Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice:

Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

The first stanza speaks of their arduous journey, traveling through fields, fountains, moors, and mountains to follow the star of Bethlehem. The carol says that the three kings were from the Orient, but the Bible describes the magi as being from the East, which could have been anywhere in the Asian continent. The chorus makes it seem like the star is being prayed to and praised. However, the last line of the chorus, “Guide us to thy perfect Light,” shows that the purpose of the star is to lead the magi to the light of the world, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Prophet, Priest, and King. And each of the gifts of the magi symbolized one of those three roles. Matthew 2:11 tells us that the magi brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold was a gift for a king, frankincense was used in temple worship, and myrrh was used as an embalming agent. In stanzas 2, 3, and 4, the carol talks about the symbolic nature of those gifts. The gifts the magi brought to Jesus were part of God’s provision for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. The gold would have been used to support the family during their time in Egypt.

The carol’s final stanza tells us to look up at the resurrected Jesus, who has risen from the grave and taken His rightful place as King. In the final days, at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The carol concludes with the singing of alleluia to Jesus Christ, our Lord. Those alleluias are heard throughout the world and the skies. Let us all sing to Him in boundless joy.