We Three Kings of Orient Are
We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar
A narrative Epiphany hymn following the Magi from their journey to Bethlehem. Each gift — gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, myrrh for death — is given its own stanza.
History & Background
Written and composed entirely by John Henry Hopkins Jr. (1820-1891) in 1857 for a Christmas pageant.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 302
- Gather 4th Edition — 504
- 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 death.