Wise Men and Gifts for Jesus: Song #23 "The Kings" aka "Die Könige"

Wise Men and Gifts for Jesus
The next set of songs refer to the wise men, to the gifts they brought to Jesus, and to the gifts that we could bring to Jesus. 

Matthew 2:1-11 (condensed) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. For thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Song #23 "The Kings" aka "Die Könige"


This is a lovely song that's a perfect account of the three wise men following the star to find Jesus. It's originally in German, but since it's the only song I have that recounts the story of the wise men in such detail, I preferred to keep it in my own language. Here are the lyrics as I sing them. I pulled from multiple English versions.

Three kings have come from the eastern land. A star hath led them to Jordan's strand. And in Judea are asking the three where the newborn Savior on earth may be. With gold and myrrh and incense sweet they seek to worship the infant king. 

How brightly shines now the light on high as to the manger the kings draw nigh. They look with rapture upon the boy. They bend before Him o'ercome with joy. With gold and myrrh and incense sweet they all adore the infant king.

O child of man. Go to Bethlehem. The kings are traveling. Travel with them. The star of mercy, compassion's star, shall point thee the pathway to Him afar. And fail thee gold and incense sweet. Give then thy heart to the infant king. Give Him thy heart.

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