Can we join the Magi in prayer?
It’s the feast of the Epiphany, the feast of the manifestation of Jesus to the people of the whole world. It is represented by the seekers of God who come to Bethlehem and recognise in the Child of the manger the one who opens the future to the world. Tradition calls them “the Magi”. Why not pray with them and ask God to guide us by his star?
We three kings
of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O star of
wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Born a King on
Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Frankincense to
offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
All men raising
Worship Him, God most high
O star of
wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Myrrh is mine
It’s bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb
Glorious now
behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Heaven to earth replies
O star of
wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
(From
the traditional Christmas carol written by John Henry Hopkins Jr in 1857)
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