Tuesday, December 23: “We Three Kings” by Tenth Avenue North
“We Three Kings” often stands out from the masses of Christmas songs by having a driving, three-beat waltzy rhythm (the other example being “The Christmas Waltz,” which calls out its three-four time signature in the actual lyrics). For “We Three Kings,” the rhythm gives the song an almost diegetic, marching feel. In a song that’s meant to capture the story of the wise men who visited Jesus, traveling far and following a star, it invites the listener to feel their journey for themselves.
To me, the fast, three-four marching makes the song feel a little old-timey, like hearing saloon music from some old Western, but the song itself is rich for conversation, especially in this season leading up to Christmas. In fact, the story of the wise men in Matthew 2 is one of the most fascinating parts of the story of the coming of Jesus.
These men from the east (who are never explicitly numbered as “three”) arrive asking, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” We don’t know how these men knew about Jesus’ birth, but they knew the incarnation of God was an event worth their time and reverence. It was worth their awe.
I wonder if we can sometimes fall asleep to the wonder, the reverence, the awe of Christmastime. Would we travel hundreds—maybe thousands—of miles to find God? Would we risk our lives (remember Herod in the story) in order to honor Jesus? Do we love Jesus enough to sacrifice for him, remembering that he first sacrificed for us—first by stepping down from his seat next to God, and second, by choosing to give up his life on the cross so that we can be reconciled to him?
“We Three Kings” reminds us to ask questions that can feel uncomfortable at times. Do we have that love for Jesus? Do we have that awe?
Conversation starter:
“What’s the connection between being in awe of God and feeling love for Jesus?”
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