Title: We Three Kings
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 22, 2025
Bible: Matthew 2:1-12
Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 4, Day 1 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. Today, we dive into the history and theology of the iconic American carol, "We Three Kings."
Explore the journey of the wise men as recorded in Matthew 2, and discover the deep symbolic meaning behind their three famous gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We also take a look at the fascinating life of the carol’s author, John Henry Hopkins Jr., and how he crafted this song specifically for a family Christmas pageant.
In this video:
Scripture Deep Dive: A reflection on Matthew 2:1–12 and the significance of the first recorded act of worship toward Jesus.
The Meaning of the Gifts: Why each gift was a prophecy of Christ's identity as King, God, and Sacrifice.
Historical Context: How an American music instructor created one of the world's most enduring carols in 1857.
Devotional Message: An invitation to worship the King who "ceases never" to reign.
"Glorious now behold Him arise: King and God and sacrifice!"
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