Steven Curtis Chapman - We Three Kings Lyrics + Chords

We Three Kings Video

We Three Kings Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

We Three Kings by Steven Curtis Chapman: A Journey of Faith and Worship

Introduction:
We Three Kings is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of the journey of the Magi to visit the newborn King. The song, written by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857, has been covered by numerous artists over the years. We will analyze the main key messages of the song, delve into its meaning, discuss any available inspiration or song story, and critically evaluate its biblical accuracy.

I. The Journey of the Magi:
The opening lines of the song, "We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts, we traverse afar," immediately set the stage for the story of the Magi. The biblical account of the Magi can be found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12). These wise men from the East followed a star that led them to Bethlehem, where they worshipped Jesus and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

II. Worship and Adoration:
One of the main key messages conveyed in We Three Kings is the act of worship and adoration towards Jesus. The lyrics, "Prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high," emphasize the reverence the Magi had for the newborn King. This aligns with the biblical concept of worship, where believers are called to offer their praise and adoration to God (Psalm 95:6, John 4:23-24).

III. Symbolism of the Gifts:
The chorus of the song highlights the symbolism behind the gifts presented by the Magi. The line, "Gold I bring to crown Him again, king forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign," signifies Jesus' kingship and eternal reign. Gold has long been associated with royalty and symbolizes Jesus' sovereignty. The lyrics, "Frankincense to offer have I, my gift of love and sacrifice," represent the act of offering up oneself as a sacrifice of love and devotion to Jesus. In the Old Testament, frankincense was used in the temple as a symbol of worship and offering (Leviticus 2:1-2). Finally, the line, "Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume, breathes a life of gathering gloom," foreshadows Jesus' eventual suffering and death. Myrrh was commonly used in burial rituals, symbolizing the sacrifice Jesus would make for humanity (Mark 15:23, John 19:39-40).

IV. The Star and Guiding Light:
We Three Kings also highlights the significance of the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The lyrics, "Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light," portray the star as a divine sign that leads the Magi to Jesus. In the Bible, a star appeared in the sky, leading the Magi to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:2). This star served as a guiding light, leading them to the One who is the perfect light, Jesus Himself (John 8:12).

V. The Meaning and Inspiration:
The song We Three Kings carries a profound meaning of faith, worship, and the recognition of Jesus' identity as the King and Savior. It invites listeners to reflect on the journey of the Magi and their response to the birth of Jesus. The inspiration behind the song is believed to be the biblical account found in Matthew's Gospel. The story of the Magi has captivated people's imaginations for centuries, and this song serves as a musical retelling of their pilgrimage and adoration.

VI. Biblical Accuracy:
When evaluating the biblical accuracy of We Three Kings, it is important to note that the song is a creative interpretation of the Magi's story rather than a direct biblical text. While the song captures the essence and symbolism of the Magi's gifts and their journey to worship Jesus, it should not be taken as a literal retelling of the events described in Matthew's Gospel. However, the overall message of worshiping Jesus, recognizing His kingship, and offering ourselves as sacrifices of love aligns with biblical teachings (Romans 12:1).

Conclusion:
We Three Kings by Steven Curtis Chapman beautifully captures the essence of the Magi's journey and their act of worship and adoration towards Jesus. The song's key messages of faith, worship, and the recognition of Jesus' identity as the King and Savior resonate with believers during the Christmas season and beyond. While the song may not be a direct biblical account, it conveys biblical truths and reminds listeners of the significance of Jesus' birth. As we sing along to this classic carol, may it inspire us to worship and adore the King who came to save us.