Together in Song ‎#314

314. 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 glory see.

2 As with joyful steps they sped,
Saviour, to your lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
one whom heaven and earth adore:
so may we with willing feet
ever seek your mercy seat.

3 As they offered gifts most rare
at your cradle rough and bare:
so may we with holy joy,
pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to you, our heavenly King.

4 Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way;
and, when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed lives at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds your glory hide;

5 in the heavenly country bright
need they no created light;
you its light, its joy, its crown,
you its sun which goes not down.
There for ever may we sing
hallelujahs to our King.

Text Information

• First Line: As with gladness men of old
• Author: William Chatterton Dix, 1837-98 (alt.)
• Meter: 77.77.77
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Christmas; Epiphany; Jesus Christ: Incarnation

Tune Information

• Name: DIX
• Arranger: William Henry Monk, 1823-89
• Composer: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872
• Meter: 77.77.77
• Key: G Major
• Source: From a chorale by Conrad Kocher