Carols of Christmas: We Three Kings

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“We Three Kings” was written in the mid-1800′s by John Hopkins Jr for a Christmas pageant in New York City. It recalls the birth of Jesus and the visit of some unlikely worshippers. Why did they make this journey? Who did they think the child was? The Bible account of this event is found in Matthew 2:1-12. We invite you to consider this carol, these visitors and their gifts to the young child.

Note: This carol is found several places on the web, including http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/wethree.htm

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.

1. In this study we want to consider the carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are." In this carol, the wise men are referred to as kings of orient. How many magi or wise men came to visit the baby Jesus? Does the text state the number? Where were these travelers from? What gifts did they bring? More thoughts...

The story of Jesus birth appears in two places in the New Testament. One is in Luke 1-2, and the other is in Matthew 1-2. You may wish to open your Bible to Matthew 2 as you study, or bring up a separate window with an online Bible. (One site is www.biblegateway.com. You just enter the reference, and it'll take you to the passage.)

2. How might these gifts have met a practical need for Jesus and His family soon after the visit of the wise men? More thoughts...

Consider the expense of a flight to Egypt on little notice.

3. The author of this carol first mentions the gift of gold. What might that signify? More thoughts...

"Gold I bring to crown Him again." Is there any indication from the text of Matthew to support the thought that this child was a king? Explain.

4. Frankincense was used in worship. It was an ingredient used in making perfume for the most holy place in the tabernacle. (See Exodus 30:34 ff.) Why might this be a significant gift for this child? More thoughts...

In the carol, the reference to "deity" indicates that the author believes this child to be God. "Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity nigh." Do you agree or disagree? Why might he believe Jesus is God?

5. "Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume Breaths a life of gathering gloom. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb". Why would the author choose to refer to a tomb in a Christmas carol? More thoughts...

Myrrh had several uses in the ancient Middle East. One was in making perfume, and another was in embalming the dead. See another reference to myrrh in John 19:39. The author affirms his belief that Jesus rose again from the dead -- "Glorious now behold Him arise." Is it enough to worship the child, or is his death and resurrection a vital part of the story? Why do you answer as you do?

6. Who did the author of this carol believe Jesus to be? More thoughts...

Who do you believe this child to be? What difference does that understanding make in your life today?

7. How did these Magi or wise men respond to the birth? In what way was Herod's response different? If you had to guess whether foreigners or someone within the land of Israel would welcome the birth, which would you guess? More thoughts...

Do you expect certain people to respond in a positive way to Jesus, and find yourself disappointed? Do you ever neglect to share God's truth with those who you think won't accept it? How can we respond in an appropriate way to this Jesus? What amazes you or fills your heart with wonder as we consider this account?

8. How did the wise men know of the birth of Jesus? More thoughts...

In this true account we see how God used the natural world (the star) to alert these men to the child's birth. Was that sufficient to guide them to the child? What role did the written Scriptures play in the ability of the wise men to find the child? (Consider the source of knowledge about the birthplace of this expected child.) Do you think that there is any reason God would let people outside of the land of Israel know about the birth of this baby?

9. What additional thoughts or questions do you have about this study?

10. Please pray for me in these areas:

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Tags: carols of Christmas, carolsofchristmas, Christmas carols, gifts, LifeLessons, wise men

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Carols of Christmas: We Three Kings

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