We Three Kings
Children's Choir Lyrics
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Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our heavenly Father
This blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
O, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
O, 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
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Worshipping God most high
O, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
"We Three Kings" is a song that recounts the story of the Magi, three wise men who set out on a journey to pay homage to the newborn Jesus Christ. The first stanza begins with the phrase "God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay", which can be quite confusing for modern listeners. The word "rest" actually means "keep" or "make", and "ye" is an archaic form of "you". Therefore, the opening line can be interpreted as "May God keep you joyful, gentlemen, and not let anything distress you." The next lines describe the reason for the joy and hope: the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born on this day to save mankind from Satan's power and bring them back to the path of righteousness.
The second stanza tells the story of the angels who appeared to the shepherds and informed them about the birth of Jesus. The phrase "O tidings of comfort and joy" is repeated throughout the song, and in this stanza it refers to the good news that the shepherds received. The shepherds were directed to Bethlehem, where they found the baby lying in a manger. The author of the song emphasizes that the child was no ordinary baby, but rather the Son of God himself.
The third stanza switches focus to the Magi (also known as the "three kings" mentioned in the song's title). They followed a star that led them to Bethlehem and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. The song refers to the star as a "star of wonder" and a "star with royal beauty bright", which reflects the Magi's reverence for the celestial object. The final stanza celebrates Jesus' divine nature and his role as a sacrifice that is both kingly and divine. The song finishes with a repetition of the opening line, which reinforces the message that God keeps his children joyful and free from despair.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
May you have a peaceful and joyful holiday season, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Do not be discouraged or troubled by anything, stay positive
Remember Christ our Saviour
Think about the birth of Jesus, our Messiah
Was born upon this day
He was born on this very day we celebrate now
To save us all from Satan's power
He came to rescue us from the clutches of Satan's influence
When we were gone astray
When we had lost our way and were wandering aimlessly
O tidings of comfort and joy
Good news that brings peace and happiness
From God our heavenly Father
An angel sent by our loving Father in heaven
This blessed angel came
This special messenger from heaven appeared to them
And unto certain shepherds
And this news was given only to a specific group of shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
Shared the same good news with them
How that in Bethlehem was born
Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem
The Son of God by name
That is what Jesus is known as, the Son of God.
O, star of wonder, star of night
A symbol of hope that guided the wise men to Jesus
Star with royal beauty bright
A beautiful, regal star that caught the attention of the wise men
Westward leading, still proceeding
The star pointed them in the direction of Bethlehem, and they continued to follow it
Guide us to thy perfect light
Lead us towards the divine light and goodness you represent
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Jesus, the newborn, was born to be a king and rule with love and compassion
Gold I bring to crown Him again
Gifts of treasure to honour the King of Kings
King forever, ceasing never
Jesus will be the eternal ruler, never to be dethroned
Over us all to reign
To rule and guide over all of humanity
Glorious now behold Him arise
This newborn baby is glorious, and now we see Him rise into His calling
King and God and sacrifice
Jesus is the ruler, God and offered Himself up as a sacrifice for all of humanity
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
An exclamation of rejoicing and praise to God
Worshipping God most high
In adoration and worship of the Almighty God
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steven Page, Ed Robertson, Kevin Hearn, Jim Creeggan, Tyler Stewart, Dominio Publico
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind