We Three Kings

Hymn lyrics and Music by John H. Hopkins, Jr.

Verse 1

We three kings of Orient are;

Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

Field and fountain,

Moor and mountain,

Following yonder star.

Chorus

O star of wonder, star of light,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading,

Still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect light.

Verse 2

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain;

Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever,

Ceasing never,

Over us all to reign.

Chorus

Verse 3

Frankincense to offer have I;

Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising,

All men¹ raising,

Worshipping God on high.

Chorus

Verse 4

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom;

Sorrowing, sighing,

Bleeding, dying,

Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Chorus

Verse 5

Glorious now behold Him arise:

King and God and sacrifice;

Alleluia,

Alleluia,

Sounds through the earth and skies.²

Chorus

¹Some hymnals read, “Voices”
²Some hymnals read, “Allelujah, Allelujah, Earth to Heav’n replies.” and others read, “Heav’n signs Allelujah; Allelujah, earth replies.”
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