As with Gladness Men of Old

1.

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold,

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore be led to thee.

2.

As with joyful steps they sped

To that lowly manger-bed,

There to bend the knee before

Him whom heav’n and earth adore;

So may we with willing feet

Ever seek the mercy-seat.

3.

As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger rude and bare;

So may we with holy joy,

Pure and free from sin’s alloy,

All our costliest treasures bring,

Christ! to thee, our heav’nly King.

4.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds thy glory hide.

5.

In the heav’nly country bright

Need they no created light;

Thou, its light, its joy, its crown,

Thou its sun which goes not down;

There for ever may we sing

Alleluias to our King.