EPIPHANY, sometimes called “Little Christmas” or “Twelfth Night,” commemorates a revelation that shook the world of three magi, or wise men. It marks the moment that transformed civilization.
In 1857, The Rev. John Henry Hopkins Jr., a Pennsylvania clergyman and hymnist, wrote “Three Kings of Orient.” Although it is played and sung as a Christmas carol, it is actually an Epiphany hymn, and listed as such in the traditional 1940 Hymnal, a fitting companion book to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. It is written in E minor, a musical key of rich color that evokes “gathering gloom” and deep, jewel-like hues — royal purple, crimson, emerald, gold — that we imagine clothed the three travelers and their richly caparisoned camels.
“We Three Kings,” as the hymn has become known, tells of not only the birth, but the entire life of Christ. It spares us nothing. It is a hymn for adults.
The story of Christ’s life, death, and eternal reign is told by Gaspard, bearer of gold: “Born a King on Bethlehem’s Plain;” Melchior, who offers incense: “Prayer and praising, all men raising;” and Balthazar, who brings the “bitter perfume” of myrrh, and provides the darkest words of the hymn, “Sealed in the stone cold tomb.” In the final verse, all sing the triumphant “Glorious now behold him arise, King, and God, and Sacrifice . . . .”
In our traditional 1928 Book of Common Prayer, which is based completely on holy scripture, the words of Matthew ii.I remind us that King Herod plotted to kill the baby who, it had been prophesied, would rule Israel. He sent three wise men to Bethlehem to find the child and report his location.
After a long and arduous journey, the wise men arrived at the manger. Here, they experienced a momentous epiphany — the realization of Christ’s divinity. They had come to do Herod’s evil bidding, but instead fell down and worshipped. Then, being wise men, they evaded Herod and “departed into their own country another way.” Thus was Jesus Christ revealed to the Gentiles.
As we take a final look at the lights on our Christmas trees and put the ornaments away for next year, let us reflect on The Collect for Epiphany on page 107 of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
“O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“We Three Kings” is a hymn of beauty, and a splendid antidote to Rudolph, Frosty, and the Chipmunks. – Jan Mahood, ETF Editor
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