Part Two • Real Stories Behind Beloved Christmas Hymns

As we celebrate Advent, we continue exploring the fascinating stories behind Christmas carols—songs that have carried faith, hope, and joy through the centuries. This week, we sail into one of the most cheerful yet puzzling of them all: “I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In).”

A Song from the English Countryside

One of the most confusing Christmas carols, “I Saw Three Ships” is both traditional and enduring. The earliest known version dates back to the 17th century, possibly from Derbyshire, England. It was later printed in 1833 by William Sandys, a solicitor and author of the book, “Christmas Carols: Ancient and Modern:”

I saw three ships come sailing in
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
And what was in those ships all three,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and His Lady,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Our Saviour Christ and His Lady,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Souls on Earth shall sing,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the Souls on Earth shall sing,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,
⁠On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Then let us all rejoice amain,
⁠On Christmas day in the morning.

Its tune and lyrics came from the English folk tradition—music passed along by wandering minstrels who traveled from town to town. As they sang, the verses began to change and the stories evolved. Later, as the carol became more closely tied to Christmas celebrations, its lyrics were adapted to describe Mary and Jesus coming to Bethlehem “on Christmas Day in the morning.”

From Magi Relics to Folk Tradition

According to The Catholic Exchange, the story begins with Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, who commanded that relics of the Magi be brought from the Holy Land to Byzantium. These relics were later transferred to Milan and then to Cologne in 1162.

Folk tradition claimed that the relics made the journey in three ships—an image that inspired generations of singers. However, since the Middle Ages, when it was first written, there have been many different lyrics with the identities of the travelers shifting, but the joyful tone of the carol endured. For hundreds of years, “I Saw Three Ships” was sung in Christmas pageants, parades, and festivities throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Is “Three Ships” a Metaphor or Mystery?

Because of its whimsical imagery, many have wondered if the “three ships” were ever meant to be taken literally. Some believe they are entirely metaphorical.

In early Christianity, the boat was one of the Church’s most recognizable symbols, representing the community of believers being carried safely through the storms of life toward heaven’s shore. Even today, the central seating area of a church is called the nave, from the Latin navis—meaning “ship.” Early church architecture often echoed the form of an inverted ship, and masts resembled crosses.

Others connect the ship imagery to Noah’s Ark or to the story of Jesus calming the storm for His disciples. In either case, the ship represents safety, faith, and hope—central themes to the message of Christmas.

A Song About a Spiritual Journey

While the song’s references to Bethlehem may not fit the geography of the Holy Land, its meaning still speaks to something deeper. “I Saw Three Ships” may not describe a literal voyage, but rather the spiritual journey of faith and expectation that leads us to the manger.

The “three ships” may symbolize our hearts, sailing toward the joy of Christ’s birth. Advent invites us to prepare room for Him—to celebrate not only the miracle of His coming long ago, but the living hope He still brings to us today.

The next time you hear this song, let it remind you that Advent is an invitation to welcome the Savior with gratitude and joy. Beyond its simple melody, “I Saw Three Ships” points us to the heart of Christmas—Christ’s love and redemption offered to all.

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Disclosure: The featured image was created by AI in order to illustrate this particular post.

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