The story of the birth of Jesus is told in three different ways in this artful medley of familiar Christmas carols. The first melody comes from "Once in Royal David's City," written by composer and organist Dr. Henry J. Gauntlett in 1858. The traditional words to the tune were written in 1848 by Mrs. Cecil F. Alexander of Ireland and published in her book Hymns for Little Children. The hymn describes the helpless, childlike nature of the infant Jesus, who was born in a simple stable. "We Three Kings" is one of the few internationally-known American Christmas carols, composed in 1857 by Dr. John H. Hopkins of Pennsylvanian. In this carol, three kinds sing of their journey to Bethlehem, guided by a bright star which shines above the birthplace of Jesus. They bring many beautiful, precious gifts to the child. The third carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High," developed from a traditional French carol entitled "Angels O'er the Fields Were Singing." This carol tells of the angels who sing from the heavens, announcing the birth of Jesus and inviting all to come and adore the child. |
