Hymn of the Three Kings

Three Kings came to God's birthplace,
Beams of moonlight on their face,
From their learnèd, Eastern lands -
O'er mighty streams and desert sands:
Three who moved with steady tread
To Bethlem's white-flow'rd city led,
Three to whom all knowledge came -
Three prophets of Messiah's fame.

Born our threefold mighty Lord -
Three Kings' vision, prophets' word,
Kingly form within the star
Shone for all, both near and far;
Lofty star of glorious ray
Shone upon a world astray,
Its true aid before us sent
Shining in the firmament.

Ceasing not its onward pace
Till it came before the place -
God of Elements at rest -
Swiftly-moving, shining, bless'd.
The kingly three thus followed on
Readily as forth it shone,
The star whose passing formed from light
An arch of blessing and of might.

He whom they found within that place,
Our Father come in infant's space:
Unto the cross His fate will bring
Of our whole fourfold world the King.
Bent they low on dusty knee,
Offering their presents three
To Whom we know will ever bide,
Our bodies', souls' and spirits' Guide.

Gained they ken of her fair face,
Sorrowing Mother of our race,
Holy maid - our sister true -
She loves our threefold natures too.
Reaching then this world's true King,
Those the star did calmly bring,
Found the sweetest words which say
Wondrous tidings for our way.

Words from the Old Irish, 11th century or earlier, translated by Kenneth MacKinnon © 1996, 1999.
Tune ("The Banks of Banna") traditional Irish, arranged by Paul McDowell © 1996.

Words and music may not be reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.