We Three Kings of Orient Are
from the MMF! Songbook

History
The Christmas carol We Three Kings of Orient Are was written by Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857 for a Christmas pageant.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matt 2:1-2

Guided by the star, the Magi traveled to the place where Jesus, Joseph and Mary were staying. They presented their new born king with presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The first gift of gold identified Jesu as king, the second gift, frankincense, symbolizes his priethood, and the third gift, myrrh, prophied of his death, as myrrh was commonly used as an embalming spice in that day. The three offices of the Messiah, Prophet, Priest and King, were also represented by the gifts.

In the millennium the Messiah will again receive gifts, though this time He will recieve only gold and frankincense, as there will be no more death.

Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you. A multitude of camels will cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba will come; they will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news of the praises of the LORD. Isaiah 60:1-6 NASB

Fun Facts
There may have been more that three kings. Yep, its true! There were three gifts presented to the baby Jesus, though the Bible does not record how many Kings there were. It is belived however, that there were more than three, as they would have prefered to travel in a large group both for protection and as a sign of their importance.

Lyrics
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's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again.
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to rein.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Pray'r and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God most high.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume,
Breathes of life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Earth to heav'n replies.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

In Parody
We Three Kings - Smoking on a Rubber Cigar

We three kings of Orient are,
Puffing on a rubber cigar.
It was loaded,
it exploded.
BANG!

We two kings of Orient are,
Puffing on a rubber cigar.
It was loaded,
it exploded.
BANG!

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