Scripture Verse

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea 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. Matthew 2:1–2

Introduction

Words: Mark G. Pearse, 1879.

Music: Chor­ley­wood Live­sey L. K. Car­rott (1864–1900) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Car­rott (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Mark G. Pearse (1842–1930)

Lyrics

O’er Bethl’hem’s hill, in time of old,
Came wise men from afar,
Bringing their costly gifts of gold,
For they had seen His star.
In princely pomp, with presents meet,
They came to worship at His feet.

The silvery lamp thro’ all the night
Led on their eager way,
Until upon His lowly home
Was shed its gentle ray;
And there they found the Infant King,
And on the ground fell worshipping.

So, gracious Spir­it, by Thy light,
Shine Thou upon our way;
To guide our feet to Christ the Lord,
Who would our homage pay;
For He who is the children’s king
Will not disdain what children bring.

For gifts, we give ourselves to Thee,
Our hearts shall be Thy throne;
For gold, we give Thee all our love,
O make it all Thine own!
As incense sweet Thy praise we sing,
And bless Thy name, our Sav­ior King.