The Celebration Hymnal

290

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, every 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.

WORDS: William C. Dix
MUSIC: Conrad Kocher
Theme: The Life of Christ: The Coming of the Wisemen