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
Evermore be led by thee.
As with joyful steps they sped
Saviour, to thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before
Thee whom heaven and earth adore,
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek the mercy seat.
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 heavenly king.
Holy jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no soul to guide,
Where no clouds thy glory hide.
In the heavenly 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
Hallelujahs to our king.