The Book of Praise ‎#173

173. We three kings

1 We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Refrain:
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. [Refrain]

3 Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high. [Refrain]

4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom,
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]

5 Glorious now behold him arise,
King and God and sacrifice:
hallelujah, hallelujah,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: We three kings of Orient are
• Title: We three kings
• Author: John H. Hopkins Jr., 1820-1891
• Refrain First Line: O star of wonder, star of light
• Meter: 8 8 8 6 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Children and Youth: Epiphany; Christmas; Church Year: Epiphany
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: KINGS OF ORIENT
• Arranger: John H. Hopkins Jr., 1820-1891
• Meter: 8 8 8 6 with refrain
• Key: e minor or modal
• Source: Traditional carol
• Copyright: Public Domain