We Three Kings of Orient Are
The Jeff Alexander Choir Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by




Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Overall Meaning

The first verse of "We Three Kings Of Orient Are" describes the setting of the story - Bethlehem - where the wise men have come to visit the newborn king. The lyrics paint a picture of the peaceful and quiet town, where even the stars are shining above silently. However, despite the tranquil surroundings, there is an everlasting light that shines in the dark streets of Bethlehem - symbolizing the hope that has come to the world through the birth of Jesus. The phrase "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight" suggests that this moment has been long-awaited and signifies the fulfillment of a promise of salvation for mankind.


The second verse talks about the angels who announce the birth of Jesus and proclaim it as a holy event. Even the morning stars join in the chorus to celebrate the birth of the King of Kings. The lyrics also highlight the significance of this event by stating that the birth of Christ brings peace to the world. The song ends by repeating the first verse, emphasizing the stillness and peace of Bethlehem and the eternal light that shines in the darkness.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We behold the quietness of Bethlehem, oh small town


Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars pass by noiselessly above your peaceful, deep slumber


Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, there shines a never-ending light


The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the memories, worries, and anticipations of bygone years culminate in you, tonight.


For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary gives birth to Christ, who is worshipped from on high.


While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As humans slumber, angels guard over them with a loving sense of awe.


Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The celestial stars unite their voices to proclaim the sacred moment of your birth.


And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
All sing hymns of worship and bestow peace upon humanity in the name of God the King.


Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
We behold the quietness of Bethlehem, oh small town


Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars pass by noiselessly above your peaceful, deep slumber


Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, there shines a never-ending light


The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the memories, worries, and anticipations of bygone years culminate in you, tonight.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions