As with Gladness

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 God, may we

Ever more be led by 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 thy 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,

Contrite hearts as gifts to 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 we need no star to guide,

Where no cloud thy glory hides.

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 forever may we sing

Alleluias to our King.