Canton Junction - We Three Kings Lyrics
Lyrics
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God on high
Myrrh is mine
Its bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice!
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Sounds through the Earth and skies
Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Video
Canton Junction - We Three Kings (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
"We Three Kings" by Canton Junction, released on October 21, 2016, as part of their album "A Canton Christmas," offers a profound musical journey into one of Christianity's most enduring narratives. This rendition carries forward the timeless story of the Magi, those wise men from the East who embarked on a miraculous quest, guided by a celestial beacon, to find the newborn King of the Jews. Their pilgrimage, rich with symbolism, represents humanity's eternal search for divine truth and the recognition of God’s sovereign plan unveiled in the Christ child. The song, while traditional in its lyrical foundation, becomes a powerful meditation on Christ's multifaceted identity through its message.
The hymn opens with the Magi declaring their long journey, traversing "Field and fountain, moor and mountain," all in pursuit of "yonder star." This imagery immediately calls to mind the pursuit of divine revelation, much like those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). The star itself, gloriously described as a "star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright," serves as God's illuminating presence, leading seekers to His perfect light. It is a tangible manifestation of God's guidance, reminiscent of how His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), directing us to Christ, who Himself declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
As the song progresses, each king presents a gift, each laden with prophetic meaning that Canton Junction's delivery allows us to ponder deeply. The first gift, gold, proclaims Jesus's kingship. The lyric, "Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign," is a direct acknowledgment of His royal lineage and eternal dominion. This resonates with numerous Old Testament prophecies foretelling a coming King, such as Isaiah 9:6-7, which speaks of a child whose government and peace will have no end. The wise men recognized what many in Jesus's own time failed to see: that He was not merely a teacher or a prophet, but the undisputed King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as affirmed in Revelation 19:16. His reign is not confined to an earthly kingdom but extends universally and eternally, transcending all temporal power.
Next, frankincense is offered, a gift signifying divinity and priesthood. "Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh, Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high," reveals Jesus's divine nature. In ancient worship, frankincense was a component of the holy incense burned in the Temple, reserved for God (Exodus 30:34-36). Its presentation to Jesus acknowledges Him as God incarnate, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). This gift also points to His role as our great High Priest, who intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Through Him, our prayers and praises rise to God, and we are granted access to the divine presence that was once veiled.
The most poignant gift is myrrh, a bitter perfume used for embalming the dead. The lyrics, "Myrrh is mine, Its bitter perfume breathes, A life of gathering gloom, Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb," starkly confront the reality of Christ's future sacrifice. This dark prophecy, delivered to a newborn king, foreshadows the suffering and death that would define His mission. It points directly to the crucifixion and burial, the central tenets of the Gospel message that Christ died for our sins and was buried (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This gift acknowledges Jesus as the ultimate Lamb of God, whose shed blood would atone for the sins of humanity (John 1:29). It’s a powerful reminder that His path to kingship was paved with unparalleled suffering, a journey from manger to cross.
However, the song does not end in sorrow. It culminates with a triumphant declaration that transcends the tomb's gloom: "Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice! Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, Sounds through the Earth and skies." This climactic verse explodes with the truth of the resurrection, transforming the somber prediction of myrrh into the jubilant reality of eternal life. It celebrates Jesus as not just a historical figure, but the risen Savior, who conquered death and hell. He is recognized unequivocally as King, God, and the perfect sacrifice, whose victory rings out through all creation. This resounding "Alleluia" echoes the heavenly chorus found in Revelation 5:12, praising the Lamb who was slain but now lives forever. Canton Junction's vocal delivery brings out the full weight and glory of this message, making the song an inspiring proclamation of Christ's complete redemptive work—from His birth as a King, through His divine life and sacrificial death, to His glorious resurrection and eternal reign. It is a powerful reminder that the journey of faith ultimately leads not to a cold tomb, but to the living, reigning Christ, whose light guides us to perfect and everlasting life.