“-- they presented to Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matt.2:11)
A Christmas Hymn Story by Lucy Neeley Adams
The bathrobes were too big but the three little boys were "kings" tonight, so it was fine to wear robes that dragged the floor. Their crowns were not exactly a perfect fit either. But what did that matter: It was the Christmas pageant at their church - a night to remember!
Thousands of children have portrayed the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ-child at his birth. The story is derived from Matthew 2:1-12, which is the only biblical reference to this event. It is beautifully captured in the majestic hymn, "We Three Kings." Although there is no specific number of men mentioned, it is assumed that each gift was carried by one man. Many years ago artists began to portray this great experience as they drew three camels and three wise men.
The number involved is not essential for this beautiful Christmas message. The gifts are only symbols that explain the purpose of Jesus' coming. In stanza two "the gold I bring to crown Him again" signifies that Jesus is the King.
Stanza three speaks of the gift of frankincense, which is the incense that denotes prayer and praise in Jesus' priestly ministry.
In stanza four, the gift of myrrh and "its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom," points to Jesus' suffering in death.
John Henry Hopkins composed words and music to this message in 1857. His intent to lift up the great event of praise and worship was eagerly received by his congregation and continues to add beauty to our Christmas season.
Hopkins was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. As a minister, who was ordained into the Episcopal church, he was also a leader in the development of hymnody in that denomination. He was the first instructor in church music at General Theological Seminary in New Your City. His popular publication, CAROLS, HYMNS AND SONGS was reprinted four times. "We Three Kings" is the best known song from that collection.
After the first stanza, the words move from the activity of the "three kings" to a personal involvement. The personal pronoun "I" is used in the remainder of the carol. Do I bring Him gold, frankincense or myrrh" Do I offer Him "prayer and praise, voices raising, worshipping God on high?"
The message is clear: We are responsible for our gifts to Jesus as we choose to give our hearts. Each day our prayer must be that we continue to give our all to our Lord.
Lucy Neeley Adams
Hello dear people with Writers4Christ. Peg does such a wonderful ministry with her choice of music. She lets' me share the Song Stories, but her music makes them much much better than just words! Music is certainly one of God's perfect gifts to us and it fills our hearts with joy! I pray a Merry and blessed Christmas to everyone. I am thankful for each of you. Lucy
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome, Lucy. I love sharing your hymn stories, and it's always fun to find just the right music to go along with it. Everyone knows 'music' speaks a universal language.
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