The Wise Men Traveled from Afar

I wrote this hymn a few years ago and am posting it now so that if anyone would like to use in in a worship setting or for private devotions this year, they will have opportunity. I cannot imagine many circumstances where I wouldn’t grant permission for its use as long as the copyright information and authorship are noted and the lyrics remain unchanged.

The Wise Men Traveled works with several other L M (Long Meter) tunes. However, I wrote it with this particular melody in mind. The only downside is that When Christ’s Appearing Was Made Known, an Epiphany hymn in Lutheran Worship, uses the same music. Other hymns in various hymnals, including On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry, are also set to Puer Nobis.

The Wise Men Traveled from Afar
L M
Text by Walter P. Snyder, 1957–
St. Matthew 2:1–12
Suggested tune: Puer Nobis Nas­ci­tur

1. The Wise Men traveled from afar
   To worship Him who, by a star,
   Was shown to be the Royal Son —
   King David’s Heir, Anointed One.
   
   
2. A Child they found in Bethlehem,
   By Holy Ghost conceived, yet man:
   The Father’s Son in flesh and blood
   Was fully man and fully God.
   
   
3. Their incense honored Deity
   And gold was gift to royalty;
   While myrrh foreshadowed death and grave
   As sinful men He came to save.
   
   
4. Yet tomb was not His final end;
   He rose — our Wisdom, Savior, Friend.
   The Morning Star still beams His light
   And scatters Satan’s gloomy night.
   
   
5. Salvation, pardon, life, and health —
   Richness beyond all earthly wealth —
   Through Word and water, body, blood,
   Christ gives these gifts of highest good.
   
   
6. To God the Father and the Son,
   With Holy Ghost forever One,
   Be honor, glory, hymns of praise
   By men and angels ever raised.

— W. P. Snyder © 2004
May not be used or reproduced without permission

Ask the Pastor includes additional commentary regarding the young Christ Child’s distinguished visitors. If interested, please see Unbiblical Christmas Carols, Jesus and the Wise Men, and Names of the Magi.

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