As with gladness men of old

Verse 1

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 Ever more be led to thee. 2. As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to thy lowly bed, There to bend the knee before Thee 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 thy cradle 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 forever may we sing Alleluias to our King.