The Songs Tell the Story: A Family Advent DevotionalSample

The Song that Was Once about the Skulls of the Three Wise Men

This is probably not a hymn you will sing in church this Christmas season. In fact, the lyrics of this hymn have been altered throughout the years, to change with the times.

This hymn was written in the Middle Ages, the era of castles, knights, and warring kings. It was sung by wandering minstrels who traveled throughout the countryside, hoping to earn a living by singing songs like these.

Believe it or not, this song was originally written about a legend that some people believed was true. This legend taught that long ago, there were three ships that sailed to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Each ship carried a skull of one of the three wise men. (Now you know why the lyrics of this Christmas carol have changed over the years!)

Later, the lyrics were about different Bible characters who rode the ships to Bethlehem. Now, the words are about Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. We know that Mary and Joseph didn’t take ships to Bethlehem, so the lyrics are simply written to remind us of their journey.

This hymn has many stanzas but one central theme: Christmas is about rejoicing over the arrival of Jesus.

In the Middle Ages, families would stand at the harbor and watch ships sail away, often with friends and family members they loved. There were no telegraphs, phones, or email. Ships often sank in high winds and storms. Sometimes, pirates or enemy vessels attacked these ships. When loved ones sailed away, remaining family and friends didn’t know if they would ever see or speak to them again.

So, imagine their joy when seeing a returning ship, months or even years later. They would watch the ship get closer and closer, hoping the person they loved was arriving back home.

That is why “I Saw Three Ships” remains a Christmas carol today.

Christmas is a time to remember that Jesus, our Messiah, arrived in Bethlehem. But it is also a time to be reminded that, one day, Jesus will return.

Jesus told his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” ( John 14:1–3).

Just as people rejoiced when they saw those ancient ships pull into the harbor, we will rejoice one day when Jesus returns. This Christmas, let’s rejoice over the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem and, one day, our arrival in heaven.