WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE

When the Christmas season reaches the Feast of the Epiphany, "We Three Kings of Orient Are" is a natural choice for the choir loft. It tells the story of the Magi following the star to Bethlehem, but what makes this arrangement special is how it assigns the narrative to different voices. The piece opens with the kings singing together in unison, setting out on their long journey across field and fountain, moor and mountain.

As the verses unfold, the song breaks into distinct solos for each king, allowing a single voice to present the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The mood shifts with each offering—from the bright majesty of gold to the solemn, foreshadowing shadows of myrrh and the stone-cold tomb. After each solo, the full choir bursts back in with the refrain, a soaring plea for the star of wonder to guide us to the perfect light.

By the final verse, the entire choir joins together to proclaim the risen King and God, lifting a joyful "Alleluia" that echoes from earth to the heavens. It is a highly dramatic and engaging piece that brings the Gospel story to life, giving both the soloists and the congregation a vivid sense of the Epiphany journey.