The Profound Meaning and Story Behind “We Three Kings”

One of the most iconic Christmas carols is “We Three Kings.” Composed in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins Jr., this song has deeply resonated during both Christmas and Epiphany celebrations. Not only does it tell the story of the journey of the Magi, but it also holds a profound message about the spiritual royalty we can attain by following Jesus. Personally, the lyrics of this song touch me because they not only recount Christ’s life from birth to passion but also reflect what being with Him means for our lives—we, too, become part of His royal family!

The Story of “We Three Kings”

Written by John Henry Hopkins Jr., this hymn was originally created for a Christmas pageant at New York’s General Theological Seminary, where Hopkins worked as a music professor. It was one of the first popular American carols. Hopkins not only penned the lyrics but also composed the melody. At a time when European hymns dominated religious services, “We Three Kings” marked an innovative American addition to the Christmas repertoire.

The carol recounts the story of the Magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem, bringing symbolic gifts for the Christ child: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts holds profound spiritual meaning, reflecting the royal, divine, and sacrificial nature of Christ.

The Symbolism of the Gifts

One of the most fascinating aspects of “We Three Kings” is how it describes the symbolism of the gifts the Magi present to the baby Jesus. Gold represents His royalty, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His future suffering and death. This depth of meaning in the carol strikes me every time I listen to it, as the lyrics remind us that Jesus’ life was not only about greatness but also about sacrifice—a theme beautifully captured in the hymn, from His birth to His arrest.

The Importance of the Carol in Christmas

Over the years, “We Three Kings” has been performed by countless choirs and musicians worldwide, remaining a Christmas favorite. Its inclusion in holiday celebrations highlights its relevance to Epiphany, the day commemorating the Magi’s visit to Jesus. However, for me, the meaning behind this carol is more than just a story about the Magi; it serves as a reminder that following Christ transforms our lives, making us part of something much greater—a spiritual royalty!

Conclusion

The beauty of “We Three Kings” lies not only in its melody but in the powerful message it conveys. It is more than a song about three men bringing gifts; it is a hymn about Jesus’ destiny and its impact on our lives. As someone who finds great meaning in the lyrics, I believe it reminds us that by following that star, we are also called to walk with Him and discover our own royalty in His presence.

1. Who composed the Christmas carol “We Three Kings”?

• Answer: “We Three Kings” was composed by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. He wrote both the lyrics and the melody for a Christmas pageant at New York’s General Theological Seminary.

2. What is the significance of the gifts mentioned in “We Three Kings”?

• Answer: The three gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry symbolic meaning. Gold represents Jesus’ royalty, frankincense symbolizes His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death.

3. Why is “We Three Kings” considered an important Christmas carol?

• Answer: “We Three Kings” is an important Christmas carol because it tells the story of the Magi’s journey to find the baby Jesus, and it reflects the spiritual significance of their gifts. It also holds special importance in Epiphany celebrations, which commemorate the visit of the wise men.

4. What message does “We Three Kings” convey about Jesus and His impact on believers?

• Answer: The carol conveys a deeper message beyond the Magi’s journey. It reflects Jesus’ royal, divine, and sacrificial roles, and suggests that by following Him, believers also share in His spiritual royalty.

5. How does the carol “We Three Kings” reflect the Christian belief in spiritual transformation?

• Answer: The carol reflects the Christian belief that following Jesus leads to a transformation in our lives, symbolized by the gifts of the Magi. It emphasizes that by walking with Christ, believers become part of His royal family.

6. What inspired John Henry Hopkins Jr. to write “We Three Kings”?

• Answer: John Henry Hopkins Jr. wrote “We Three Kings” for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in New York, where he was a music professor. He aimed to tell the story of the Magi and their symbolic gifts, bringing a fresh American contribution to Christmas carols.

7. How is the personal experience with “We Three Kings” reflected in the article?

• Answer: The article reflects a personal connection to the carol by emphasizing how the lyrics beautifully narrate Jesus’ life and resonate with the idea that being with Him transforms lives, making us spiritually royal.

Video:We Three Kings of Orient Are

Here are two useful links with more information about the background and meaning of “We Three Kings”:

1. Wikipedia: Provides a detailed history of the hymn, including its composition by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857 and its place in Christmas tradition. It also discusses how the song’s structure represents each of the three Magi and their symbolic gifts.
   • We Three Kings on Wikipedia​Wikipedia
2. Hymnology Archive: This article dives into the theological interpretation of the gifts brought by the Magi and explains how the hymn allows singers to place themselves in the roles of the gift-givers. It also discusses the carol’s musical composition and its enduring legacy.
   • Hymnology Archive – We Three Kings​Hymnology Archive