We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar
A narrative hymn following the Magi from their journey to Bethlehem through their offering of three symbolic gifts: gold for Christ's kingship, frankincense for his divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing his death. Each gift is given its own stanza, making this a natural vehicle for Epiphany preaching on the identity of Christ.
History & Background
Written and composed entirely by John Henry Hopkins Jr. (1820-1891) in 1857 for a Christmas pageant at General Theological Seminary in New York. One of the few Christmas hymns where a single author wrote both text and tune.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 302
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 646
Bulletin Note
We Three Kings — John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1857
Preaching Connection
Epiphany — the three gifts as symbols of Christ's kingship, divinity, and redemptive death.