“We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music.
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
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
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, 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
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
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
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav’n replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
From Mannheim Steamroller, Chip Davis gives this song an “Arabian Nights” feel. A classic song that tells the story of the Gentiles who were quicker to recognize the significance of Christ’s birth than were His own people. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
“The First Nowell,” also known as “The First Noël,” is a carol steeped in the rich tapestry of English musical tradition, a gem that has been passed down through the ages, possibly originating as far back as the 18th century, or even earlier. This carol is not just a song; it’s a historical artifact, echoing the voices and sentiments of generations past.
The title “Nowell” is derived from the French word “Noël,” meaning “Christmas,” which in turn traces its roots back to the Latin “natalis,” signifying “birthday.” This linguistic journey across cultures and times adds a layer of depth to the carol, connecting it to the universal celebration of Christmas and the joy of birth and renewal.
What sets “The First Nowell” apart in the realm of English folk music is its unique melodic structure. It is built on a captivatingly simple yet profound musical pattern: one melodic phrase, so pure and resonant, repeated twice, followed by a reflective refrain. This refrain is not just a repetition but a subtle variation, a creative twist on the original theme. Remarkably, all three phrases culminate on the third of the scale, a musical choice that lends the carol a sense of completion and emotional fulfillment.
This carol is not just a melody but a journey through musical creativity, where simplicity and repetition weave a spell of enchantment. It’s a testament to the timeless beauty of folk music, where less is often more, and where the power of a melody can resonate through centuries, bringing the spirit of Christmas alive in the hearts of all who hear it. “The First Nowell” is not just sung; it is felt and experienced, a classic embodiment of the Christmas spirit.
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay tending their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.
They lookèd up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Refrain
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Refrain
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Over Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Refrain
Then did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie;
One entered it them for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty.
Refrain
Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Refrain
Between an ox stall and an ass,
This Child truly there He was;
For want of clothing they did Him lay
All in a manger, among the hay.
Refrain
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
Refrain
If we in our time shall do well,
We shall be free from death and hell;
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting place in general.
Refrain
On the first Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023, Pender’s Carillon Ringerspresented “The First Noel” as the Prelude. This rendition of the beloved Christmas carol offers a magical and ethereal experience, prioritizing musical expression over technical complexity. The result is an elegant, moving, and beautifully crafted piece.
Our arrangement arranged was by arr. Sandra Eithun and introduced a simple yet captivating rhythmic motif withchimes, which resonate throughout the piece, breathing new life into this timeless standard.
“The First Noel” is a cherished holiday carol, hailing from 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts. Traditionally played in churches and festive gatherings during the Christmas season, the song narrates the story of ringing bells to herald the birth of Jesus Christ. Known for inducing feelings of joy, excitement, and embodying the Christmas spirit, “The First Noel” is set in the key of D major and is typically performed at a fast tempo.
The University of Utah Singers perform “The First Noel” arr. by Dan Forrest live in concert, December 11th & 12th, 2009 in Libby Gardner concert hall under the direction of Dr. Brady Allred.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem,” a beloved Christmas carol, resonates with the enchantment and wonder of the festive season. Its creation is a tale of inspiration and artistic collaboration between two remarkable individuals. The carol’s evocative lyrics were penned by the talented Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), an esteemed Episcopal priest and Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. Brooks’ inspiration for this timeless piece stemmed from his profound experience during a visit to the historic and spiritually significant Palestinian city of Bethlehem in 1865.
Three years after his transformative journey, in a burst of creative inspiration, Brooks composed the poem for his congregation. In a splendid collaboration, his organist, Lewis Redner, lent his musical genius to the project, composing a simple yet profoundly moving melody. Named “St. Louis,” this tune has since become synonymous with the carol in the United States, evoking the spirit of Christmas in the hearts of millions.
Together, Brooks’ poignant words and Redner’s melodious tune have created more than just a carol; they have crafted a cherished musical tradition that continues to illuminate the beauty and significance of Christmas, bringing the story of Bethlehem closer to hearts around the world. This carol is not just a song; it’s a journey through time and tradition, echoing the sacred and joyful sentiments of the holiday season.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings O Little Town Of Bethlehem
In 1850, Richard Storrs Willis, a composer who trained under Felix Mendelssohn, wrote the melody called “Carol.” This melody is most often set in the key of B-flat major in a six-eight time signature. “Carol” is the most widely known tune to the song in the United States.
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Closing Hymn “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” on the Second Advent Sunday December 4, 2022 was played by Liz Eunji Moon on piano, and sungBrian Stevenson, the Pender Sanctuary Choir and congregation.
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!
For lo!, the days are hastening on,
By prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788), the younger brother of John Wesley wrote the words to this Christmas Carol.
Charles was a hymn writer and a poet, also known as one of the people who began the Methodist movement in the Church of England. Hark the Herald Angels Sing appeared in 1739 in a book called Hymns and Sacred Poems.
Wesley envisioned this being sung to the same tune as his hymn, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, and in some hymnals it is included along with the more popular version.
This hymn was regarded as one of the Great Four Anglican Hymns and published as number 403 in “The Church Hymn Book” (New York and Chicago, USA, 1872).
To celebrate the invention of the printing press, Felix Mendelssohn composed a cantata in 1840 called Festgesang or “Festival Song”. The melody of Mendelssohn’s cantata was then used by William H. Cummings and adapted it to the lyrics of Wesley’s “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”.
Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”
And, of course, no one can do it better than The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
News and Views 