The Cyber Hymnal ‎#14142

14142. The Wise Men's Offering

1 Now who are these that thus repair
To Salem’s streets, with travel worn,
And ask the wondering people, where
The King of Zion should be born?

2 Wise men are they, from eastern parts,
Who fail not, in their zeal, to bring
Rich treasures, and obedient hearts,
Oblations to the new-born King.

3 For they, in their far-distant home,
A Gentile region, dark and dim,
Have seen His star; and they are come
To Judah’s land, to worship Him.

4 But not in palaces nor halls,
On pillows rich and soft reclined,
’Midst cedar roofs, and marble walls,
Shall they the King of Zion find.

5 No ministers of high estate,
Nor chiefs, nor learnèd ones of earth,
Are gathered in His courts, to wait
The tidings of Immanuel’s birth.

6 Nor yet on Zion’s glittering dome
The star of glory shed its ray;
But stood o’er Bethl’hem’s humble home,
And showed them where the young Child lay.

7 ’Twas there the Son of David’s race,
Whom God of old was pleased to grant,
They saw; and in that lowly place,
Th’abode of indigence and want,

8 Devoutly kneeling on their knees,
They spread their gifts, their holy things,
And hearts more precious far than these,
An offering to the King of kings.

9 Lord! be it ours Thy guiding light
In every path of life to see;
And still let wisdom, wealth, and might,
Devote their richest stores to Thee!

Text Information

• First Line: Now who are these that thus repair
• Title: The Wise Men's Offering
• Author: Thomas B. Murray
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Lays of Christmas (London: Francis & John Rivington, 1847)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: WARD by Lowell Mason, WAREHAM by William Knapp, WARRINGTON by Ralph Harrison

Tune Information

• Name: VOM HIMMEL HOCH
• Meter: LM
• Key: C Major
• Source: Geistliche Lieder (Leipzig, Germany, 1539)
• Copyright: Public Domain