Scripture Verse

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Matthew 2:1–2

Introduction

Words: Ida F. Ley­da, in Child­ren’s Me­lo­dies (Wa­pel­lo, Io­wa: Ley­da Pub­lish­ing, 1916).

Music: Ar­ranged from Beet­ho­ven’s Mi­nu­et in G Ma­jor by Hel­en M. Browne (🔊 pdf nwc).

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

Lyrics

illustration
Journey of the Magi
James Tissot (1836–1902)

Long ago the glo­ri­ous Christ­mas star
Guided wise men from afar,
To the lit­tle town of Beth­le­hem,
To the Sav­ior of all men.

Over hill, across the de­sert sand,
Slowly t’ward the Ho­ly Land,
With them pre­cious lov­ing gifts they bring,
Asking for the new­born King.

When they saw the Child they all re­joiced,
Worshiped Him with ten­der voice,
Bowing low, pre­sent­ed gifts of love
To the Christ-child from ab­ove.