This Christmas carol—born from unknown sources and an unknown hand—weaves together poetry, faith, innocence, and longing. You have to read it aloud to feel it.
The Star of Bethlehem has appeared
With its tail of light and silk arrayed,
Tomorrow morning the Magi will come
Majestic, rich, and wise.
Balthasar, Gaspar, and Melchior
With plumes as tall as a tower soar.
Their pages and servants, bearing with pride
A hundred coffers, a hundred treasures wide.
"Where do you go, you noble Magi,
Majestic, rich, and wise?"
"We have been told a great king is born,
More powerful than all three of us, I swear!
The Star of Bethlehem told us so
With its tail of light and silk aglow.
"May I ask you, fine lords,
What lies within your treasured stores?"
"We carry precious gifts to give—
Incense, myrrh, and gold that live...
"For whom are they, you noble Magi,
These beautiful gifts your pages carry?"
"We bring them to that little king
More powerful than us three as a thing,
Born in that humble stable below.
We bring them to the Christ Child so.
"O noble lords, O Magi great
Majestic, rich, and wise in state,
O my Star of Bethlehem bright
With your tail of silk and light,
I beg you, take me on my way
To the grotto of the king, I pray!
I have no incense to give him, no gold.
I have no myrrh, and I don't hold
A treasure—I'm just a poor little child.
I own nothing but my heart, mild,
O Magi, please take me too.
I want to give my heart to my king true!
O Magi, please lift me on high
'Cause I want to bring him my heart, don't deny!
If after you empty your store
And a toy or a sweet should be more,
O powerful and wealthiest kings
Don't throw it away—give me these things!