83 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 your followers be. 2 As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to your lowly bed, There to bend the knee before You whom heav'n and earth adore, So may we with willing feet Ever seek your mercy seat. 3 As they offered gifts most rare At your cradle, rude and bare, So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin's alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to you, 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 your glory hide. 5 In the heav'nly country bright Need they no created light; You its light, its joy, its crown, You its sun which goes not down. There forever may we sing Alleluias to our King!